What is Cinnarizine?
Cinnarizine, often known by the brand name Stugeron, is a medication primarily used to treat and prevent the symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness [1.2.1]. It is also effective in managing issues related to inner ear problems, including vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and Ménière's disease [1.9.2]. It belongs to a class of drugs known as first-generation antihistamines [1.2.3]. This classification is key to understanding its effects on the body. As a 'drowsy' or 'sedating' antihistamine, it is known to cause sleepiness more so than newer, non-drowsy antihistamines [1.2.1]. The medication is available on prescription or for purchase in pharmacies in various countries, although it is not available in the United States or Canada [1.2.1, 1.9.4].
How Does Cinnarizine Work?
Cinnarizine has a dual mechanism of action. Firstly, as an antihistamine, it works by blocking H1 histamine receptors in the brain [1.3.3]. Histamine is a chemical involved in wakefulness and arousal, so by blocking its effects, cinnarizine induces a state of drowsiness and reduces the symptoms of nausea associated with motion sickness [1.2.1, 1.3.1]. Secondly, it functions as a calcium channel blocker [1.3.5, 1.7.4]. This action helps to improve blood flow, particularly in the inner ear, by preventing the contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells [1.4.4, 1.9.1]. This dual action helps to stabilize the vestibular system, which is responsible for our sense of balance, thereby alleviating symptoms of vertigo and dizziness [1.4.5]. It takes up to four hours for the medication to reach its full effect [1.2.2].
Is Cinnarizine a Sleeping Pill?
While cinnarizine can make you feel sleepy, it is not a sleeping pill. The drowsiness it causes is a side effect, not its primary therapeutic function [1.2.1]. Sleeping pills, or hypnotics, are specifically designed and prescribed to treat insomnia. Cinnarizine is authorized for treating vestibular disorders like motion sickness and vertigo [1.9.1].
Using a medication for a purpose other than its intended one is known as 'off-label' use. While some antihistamines are used as short-term treatments for insomnia, this should only be done under medical supervision [1.2.3]. Tolerance to the sedative effects of antihistamines can develop quickly, meaning they become less effective at causing sleepiness the more you take them [1.10.2].
Risks of Using Cinnarizine for Sleep
Using cinnarizine as a sleep aid carries several risks and is generally not recommended. The sedative effects can lead to significant next-day drowsiness, impaired coordination, and reduced concentration, making activities like driving or operating machinery dangerous [1.2.2, 1.5.5]. Combining cinnarizine with alcohol can severely increase these sedative effects [1.2.2, 1.5.4].
Long-term use, particularly in older adults, is associated with more serious side effects. These can include extrapyramidal symptoms like slow or jerky body movements, muscle stiffness, and tremors, which are similar to symptoms of Parkinson's disease [1.5.2, 1.5.3]. Because of these risks, cinnarizine should be used cautiously in the elderly and should not be given to patients with Parkinson's disease unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks [1.5.3].
Comparison: Cinnarizine vs. Dedicated Sleeping Pills
To understand the difference, it's helpful to compare cinnarizine to a medication specifically designed for sleep, such as Zolpidem (a common 'Z-drug' hypnotic).
| Feature | Cinnarizine (Antihistamine) | Zolpidem (Hypnotic) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Motion sickness, vertigo, inner ear disorders [1.9.1, 1.9.2] | Short-term treatment of insomnia [1.8.2] |
| Mechanism | Blocks histamine (H1) receptors and calcium channels [1.3.3] | Enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA to induce sleep [1.8.2] |
| Onset of Action | Gradual, up to 4 hours to full effect [1.2.2] | Rapid, typically 15-30 minutes [1.8.1] |
| Primary Effect | Reduces nausea and dizziness [1.2.1] | Induces sleep |
| Key Side Effect | Drowsiness, dry mouth, weight gain [1.5.3, 1.5.4] | Next-day drowsiness, dizziness, abnormal behaviors (e.g., sleep-walking) [1.8.1, 1.8.2] |
| Recommendation | Not recommended for sleep; used for vestibular issues | Prescribed specifically for sleep disorders |
Conclusion
In conclusion, to answer the question, is cinnarizine a sleeping pill?—the answer is no. It is a first-generation antihistamine whose primary role is to combat motion sickness and vertigo. The significant drowsiness it causes is a well-documented side effect, not its intended therapeutic purpose. While this effect might seem beneficial for falling asleep, using cinnarizine as a sleep aid is not advisable due to the potential for next-day impairment, the rapid development of tolerance, and the risk of serious side effects with long-term use, especially in older individuals [1.5.2, 1.10.2]. For issues with sleep, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional who can recommend appropriate treatments, which may include dedicated sleep aids or cognitive-behavioral therapy, rather than self-medicating with a drug intended for other conditions.
For more information, consult authoritative health sources like the NHS page on Cinnarizine.
