Extrapyramidal syndromes caused by flunarizine. Apropos of 6 cases
Senard, J.M.; Colomes, M.; Rostin, M.; Clanet, M.; Montastruc, J.L.
Therapie 45(2): 157-159
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-5957 PMID: 2353329 Document Number: 358366
The ability of flunarizine in inducing or worsening extrapyramidal symptoms is well documented. The relation with age or dose of such symptoms as their clinical characteristics remain controversial. We report 6 cases of extrapyramidal syndromes induced by flunarizine in five women and one man (mean age 71.5 +/- 5 years). The daily dose was 10 mg in five cases (as recommended by the marketing laboratory) and 20 mg in one patient. These observations allow to discuss the dose-dependent occurrence of this adverse reaction. In only three cases the reason for treatment was compatible with the official french indication. These side effects appeared after 7.0 +/- 1.6 months and disappeared after 2.2 +/- 0.5 months respectively. Flunarizine-induced extrapyramidal symptoms are mainly characterized by tremor (which was the main symptom in 4 cases and the only one in 2 cases).