Cinnarizine Overdose: Spotting Signs & Acting Fast

If you or someone you know has taken too much cinnarizine, knowing what to look for can save a lot of trouble. Cinnarizine is used for motion sickness and vertigo, but an extra dose can cause serious problems. This guide breaks down the key symptoms, why they happen, and exactly what to do right away.

Common Symptoms You Might Notice

When cinnarizine levels get too high, the body reacts in a few predictable ways. The most frequent signs include:

• Drowsiness that turns into confusion or trouble staying awake
• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps
• Blurred vision or double‑vision
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Tremors or shaky hands

If any of these appear after a dose larger than prescribed, treat them as red flags. In some cases, people also experience low blood pressure, which can make them feel faint or actually pass out.

What to Do Right After Suspecting an Overdose

The first move is calling emergency services (911 in Canada) – don’t try to wait it out. While help is on the way, you can take a few practical steps:

• Keep the person sitting up or lying on their side if they’re vomiting.
• If they are unconscious but breathing, place them in recovery position and monitor breathing.
• Gather any medication bottles, dosage information, and timing details to give to paramedics.

Avoid giving anything by mouth unless a doctor specifically tells you to. Some antidotes or activated charcoal may be used in the hospital, but that decision belongs to medical staff.

Why an Overdose Happens and How to Prevent It

Most cinnarizine overdoses are accidental – people might double‑dose because they forget they already took a pill, or they use it for longer than advised. To keep this from happening:

• Set a daily reminder on your phone when you take the drug.
• Store the medication in its original bottle with clear labeling.
• Never share cinnarizine with friends or family, even if they have similar symptoms.
• If you’re switching to another anti‑vertigo medicine, talk to a pharmacist about how long to wait before stopping cinnarizine.

Keeping track of doses reduces the chance of an accidental overdose and helps you stay within safe limits.

When Medical Help Arrives

In the emergency department, doctors will check vital signs, run blood tests, and possibly do an ECG to see how the heart is handling the extra drug. Treatment may involve:

• IV fluids to keep blood pressure stable.
• Medications that counteract excessive drowsiness or control abnormal heart rhythms.
• Observation for a few hours, because symptoms can reappear once the drug starts leaving the bloodstream.

Most people recover fully if they get prompt care. However, severe cases can lead to lasting neurological issues, so quick action is key.

Bottom Line

A cinnarizine overdose isn’t something to ignore. Spotting drowsiness, nausea, or heartbeat changes early and calling emergency services can make the difference between a brief hospital stay and more serious complications. Use simple habits – reminders, proper storage, and clear communication with your healthcare provider – to keep your doses safe. If you ever suspect an overdose, act fast and let professionals handle the rest.