Stugeron (cinnarizine) can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them and they are usually mild.[1]
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Drowsiness or feeling sleepy[1]
- Nausea[1]
- Upset stomach, indigestion, or abdominal pain[1]
- Increased weight[1]
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- Tiredness[1]
- Vomiting[1]
- Upper abdominal pain[1]
- Increased sweating[1]
- Skin lesions[1]
Other possible side effects (frequency unknown):
- Headache[1][7]
- Dry mouth[1][3]
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice; possible sign of liver problems)[1][5][6]
- Rashes, itchy bumps, or mouth sores (sometimes with allergic reactions)[1][5]
- Excessive sweating[4]
- Joint pain, especially in sun-exposed areas, and sensitivity to sunlight[2][5]
Rare or serious side effects:
- Movement disorders such as twitching or jerky body movements, muscle stiffness, trembling, or slowness of movement (more likely in elderly or long-term use)[1][5][6]
- Depression with long-term use (particularly in older patients)[4]
- Severe allergic reactions—a rash, hives, swelling of eyelids, face, or lips, difficulty breathing or swallowing, blue/grey skin, or collapse. Immediate medical attention is required if these occur.[1][5][6]
- Low blood pressure (with very high doses)[3][4]
Special precautions:
- Drowsiness may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, especially at the start of treatment.[4]
- Alcohol may worsen drowsiness.[2]
- Stugeron is not recommended for long-term use in elderly patients due to increased risk of movement disorders and depression.[4]
- Report any unexplained symptoms to your doctor, and seek immediate medical help if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction or movement disorder.[1][5][6]
- In case of overdose, symptoms may include severe drowsiness, stupor, vomiting, tremors, and rarely, seizures—immediate medical assessment is needed.[3][4]