Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. It’s used to treat certain behavioral problems, such as separation anxiety, fear of noises, and anxiety in dogs, and urinating out of the litter box, spraying, and anxiety in cats.
For: Cats and Dogs
How it works: Amitriptyline affects chemicals in the brain that become unbalanced, leading to behavioral problems in your pet.
Dosage & Administration: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Allow pet to drink plenty of water. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Do not stop giving amitriptyline suddenly. This could cause symptoms such as nausea, headache and malaise. Store amitriptyline at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
Tips: It may take a number of days before symptoms begin to lessen. Allow pet to drink plenty of water. Do not stop giving Amitriptyline suddenly.
What happens if I miss a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of amitriptyline overdose include seizures, confusion, drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations and low blood pressure (dizziness, fatigue, fainting).
What should I avoid while using Amitriptyline: Amitriptyline may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Possible side effects of Amitriptyline: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving amitriptyline and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face, or hives); seizures; a fast or irregular heartbeat; high blood pressure; difficulty urinating; panting, muscle stiffness or severe muscle weakness. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving amitriptyline and talk to your veterinarian if your pet has drowsiness or dizziness; dry mouth and eyes; constipation; panting; mild agitation, weakness or headache; nausea or loss of weight or appetite. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Amitriptyline: Do not give this medication if your pet has taken or used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as selegiline, Mitaban Dip or Preventic Collar within the last 14 days. Amitriptyline may increase the effects of other drugs that may cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives, pain relievers, anxiety medications, and muscle relaxants. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with amitriptyline. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines including herbal products.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before using Amitriptyline: Do not give this medication if your pet has taken or used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as selegiline, Mitaban Dip or Preventic Collar within the last 14 days. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver or kidney disease; asthma; thyroid disease; diabetes; stomach or intestinal problems; high blood pressure or heart disease; difficulty urinating, or glaucoma. Tell your veterinarian if the pet is pregnant or lactating.