Amitriptyline Basics
- Amitriptyline is available by prescription only.
- Amitriptyline belongs to class of drugs known as tricyclic anti-depressants.
- Amitriptyline is used in dogs and cats to treat behavioral disorders, such as...
- Amitriptyline increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, two important neurotransmitters.
- Amitriptyline also causes sedation and blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from uptake.
- Amitriptyline tablets are available in the following sizes:
Amitriptyline Warnings
- Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
- Do not use in pets with known hypersensitivity to amitriptyline.
- Do not use amitriptyline in pregnant or lactating animals.
- Use amitriptyline with caution in animals with...
- Overdoses of amitriptyline are serious and can be very toxic. If you suspect your pet has been given too much amitriptyline, call your veterinarian immediately.
- Amitriptyline should be used cautiously with...
- Other drugs that act as Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants
- Weight gain may occur in some cats using Amitriptyline.
- Store at room temperature, protected from light and moisture.
Amitriptyline Directions
- Use amitriptyline as directed by your veterinarian.
- Always follow the instructions printed on the prescription label.
- Store amitriptyline at room temperature.
- Allow your pet access to plenty of water when giving amitriptyline.
- Give amitriptyline with food.
Important Dosage Information
- In the case of a missed dose of amitryptyline, give it as soon as you remember or wait until it is time to give the next dose. DO NOT GIVE A DOUBLE DOSE OF AMITRIPTYLINE.
- In the case of an overdose of amitryiptyline, seek attention from your veterinarian immediately.
- When ingested in large amounts, amitryptyline can have very serious effects on the heart. Failure to provide prompt medical attention in the instance of an overdose can be fatal.
Who would have ever believed that we would be using amitriptyline (brand name Elavil) in pets for all types of anxiety disorders. If I had not seen the positive results, I probably would not have believed these tricyclic antidepressant drugs would be so useful. You will need to discuss the situations in which these drugs would be effective with your veterinarian, but overall, we have had pretty good success with management of separation anxiety and general anxiety with multiple pets in our practice. Although I would love to tell you that amitriptyline alone will help your pet's anxiety, it seems that behavior modification (e.g. exercise) is almost always part of a treatment protocol where anti-depressants are successfully utilized. You might also want to know that we have been able to use amitriptyline in cats for problem grooming, spraying, and anxiety. It is actually pretty effective, but giving a kitty pills once or twice a day is certainly not for everyone.
If you notice any behavioral or physiological changes in your pet while administering amitriptyline, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Allergic Reactions and Serious Side Effects
- Allergic reactions and serious side effects are rare, but in the case of an allergic reaction or a serious side effect, seek immediate veterinary attention. Some common signs of allergic reactions and serious side effects are...
- increased tendency to bruise or bleed
