Product
Info
Amitriptyline
is an antidepressant used in both felines and canines. It is not
approved for animal use by the FDA, but it is commonly used as an off
label medication in the veterinary field. The drug comes in tablet
form and is available in four strengths; 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, and 75mg.
What
the product cures
Amitriptyline
is prescribed for dogs with behavioral problems such as separation
anxiety and noise phobias. In cats, the medication is usually used to
help with issues such as; spraying, obsessive grooming habits, fear,
and general anxiety.
Pet
Symptoms
Two
common conditions treated with Amitriptyline are separation anxiety
(dogs) and fear of noise (cats).
Separation
anxiety causes behavioral problems in canines when they’re left
alone or are at a far distance from their owner. The condition is
usually manifested with whining, excessive barking, urinating or
passing bowel movements in the house, hiding, panting, escape
attempts, decreased appetite, destructive behavior (tearing toys,
scratching furniture, etc.), and depression. These symptoms can also
mimic other conditions in dogs, so it is important that you consult a
canine behavior professional or vet to get an accurate diagnosis.
Phobias
in cats tend to be related to noise, whether it is caused by thunder,
fireworks, people, or objects. Felines are born with a natural flight
or fight instinct, which is different from staying in a frozen
position or running due to fear. Real phobias are developed when cats
have bad experiences and learn to associate them with certain
situations, sounds, places, people, etc. This can cause many symptoms
such as; shaking, hiding, avoidance, lethargy, escaping, running
frantically, and diarrhea. Like with separation anxiety in dogs,
symptoms caused by phobias in cats can also mock other diseases, so
it is important that a correct diagnosis is obtained.
Pet
Ailments
Behavioral
ailments most commonly seen in pets include; excessive barking,
spraying, separation anxiety, aggression, and fear of people, noises,
or objects.
Pets
with Ailments
Relative
info on breed most associated with this ailment
Anxiety
can develop in any breed of cat or dog. Some experts argue that
certain dog breeds such as the Border Collie and German Shepherd are
prone to anxiety problems because of their intelligence and high
energy levels. However, the development of behavioral issues in pets
is most influenced by factors such as socialization, exposure, and
experiences.
Questions
for the vet & product
1.
Is there anything that should be discussed with my vet before giving
my pet amitriptyline?
Let
your vet know if your pet has any of the following; asthma, liver
disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal issues, hypertension,
cardiac disease, glaucoma, trouble urinating, and thyroid disease.
Also tell your vet if your dog/cat is pregnant, nursing, or has
recently used products classified as monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
2.
What should I do in case I miss a dose?
Give
your pet the medication right away (if it’s not too late) or wait
until it’s time for the next dose to give it and continue with the
schedule as directed by your vet. Do NOT administer double the dose
in order to make up for the skipped one.
3.
I think I might have overdosed my pet: What should I do?
Take
your cat/dog to the nearest vet to receive proper treatment. Symptoms
caused by an amitriptyline overdose include; seizures, lethargy,
sleepiness, irritation, disorientation, hypotension, coordination
issues, and collapse.
4.
Are there side effects associated with Amitriptyline?
Discontinue
use and get immediate veterinary help if your pet manifests serious
side effects. These include; allergic reaction (respiratory problems,
swollen face, hives, etc.), tremors, rapid heart rate, arrhythmia,
hypertension, trouble urinating, excessive panting, stiff muscles,
and weakness. If less severe side effects develop, give medication as
indicated by your vet and contact him/her right away for further
direction. Mild side effects include; dizziness, lethargy, mouth
dryness, eye dryness, constipation, headache, decreased appetite, and
weakness.
5.
Are there any drug contraindications I should know about?
Avoid
Amitriptyline in pets that have recently (less than 14 days) used
products categorized as monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Other drugs
that have been known to cause side effects when taken with
Amitriptyline include; antihistamines, pain meds, antidepressants,
anti-anxiety meds, and drugs used for muscle relaxation.
How
it Works
Amitriptyline
helps balance brain chemicals that can cause behavioral issues in
pets if unbalanced.
Directions
for use
Amitriptyline
is a prescription medication and should be given as told by your vet.
Provide your pet with fresh water at all times throughout treatment.
It may be a few days before any improvement is noted.
Dosage
and administration: The
recommended dose for canines is 0.5mg to 2mg per lb. every 8 to 12
hours. For felines, the dose is usually prescribed at 5mg to 10mg per
lb. once daily at nighttime. The medication should be given orally.
Ingredients
Depending
on the strength, the product contains 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, or 75mg of
Amitriptyline HCL.
Product
Cautions
Avoid
Amitriptyline in pets that are using or recently used products
categorized as monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Talk
with your vet if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Drowsiness
or dizziness may result from use.
Amitriptyline
can alter the effects of other medication including; antihistamines,
pain meds, tranquilizers, antidepressants, and mediation that relaxes
the muscles.
Let
your vet know if your pet has any of the following; asthma, liver
disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal issues, hypertension,
cardiac disease, glaucoma, trouble urinating, and thyroid disease.
Tell
your vet if your dog/cat is pregnant or nursing.
Provide
your pet with sufficient water to drink throughout treatment.
Amitriptyline
use should NOT be stopped suddenly, as this could lead to vomiting,
headache, and additional health problems.
PHYSICAL
OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS:
Store
medication in a safe place where pets and children cannot reach.
Possibly
flammable; keep at a safe distance from heat sources.
FIRST
AID:
If
swallowed: Contact
poison control for guidance. Avoid inducing vomiting, unless told
otherwise by a medical professional.
If
in eyes: Take
contact lenses off, flush eyes with COLD water for 15 to 20 minutes,
and seek medical care.
If
on skin: Wash
skin with water and soap, and then apply a moisturizer. Talk to a
doctor if irritation persists or gets worse.
If
inhaled: Keep
affected person in a ventilated area and provide artificial breathing
in case of respiratory failure or administer oxygen if the person can
breathe on their own. Seek medical attention immediately.
Storage
& Disposal
Storage:
Keep
in a dry area that is set at room temperature.
Disposal:
Conform
to local, state, and federal laws when disposing of medical
waste/containers.