Alprazolam
Also known as: Xanax, Xanax XR, Niravam, Alprazolam Intensol
- **Timing is crucial**: For situational anxiety (like thunderstorms or fireworks), give the medication approximately **30 to 60 minutes before** the anticipated event to ensure it takes effect before the pet becomes panicked. - **Administration**: If you have difficulty pilling your pet, orally disintegrating tablets may be an option. Ensure your hands are completely dry before handling them. - **What to watch for**: Contact your veterinarian if you notice excessive sleepiness, severe unsteadiness, or any yellowing of the whites of the eyes or gums (jaundice), especially in cats. - **Behavioral changes**: Some pets may become unusually affectionate, irritable, or even more active (paradoxical reaction). Let your vet know if this occurs. - **Training**: This medication may temporarily slow your pet's ability to learn new commands during training sessions.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- For treatment of canine anxiety disorders
- For separation anxiety
- For storm phobias
- For storm phobias (adjunct)
- For phobias, night waking
- For acute anxiety
- Anxiolysis and fear-related disorders
- For treatment of feline anxiety disorders
- For refractory house soiling
- For urine marking
- For fears/phobias/anxieties
- For acute anxiety
- Anxiolysis and urine spraying
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation
- Increased appetite (polyphagia)
- Transient ataxia
- Behavior changes in cats (irritability, increased affection, depression, aberrant demeanor)
- Paradoxical CNS excitement/agitation (rare in dogs)
- Physical dependence (with chronic use)
- Impeded learning and retarded training
Cautions & contraindications
- Known benzodiazepine hypersensitivity
- Aggressive animals (controversial; anxiety reduction may disinhibit aggressive tendencies)
- > **Caution**: Use with care in patients with hepatic or renal disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, and in debilitated or geriatric patients. - **Working Animals**: Benzodiazepines may impair the abilities of working or service animals. - **Aggression**: Use in aggressive dogs remains controversial as it may remove anxiety-based bite inhibition. - **Pregnancy**: FDA Category D in humans. May cause congenital abnormalities if administered during the first trimester. Use only when benefits clearly outweigh risks. - **Hepatic Function**: Monitor hepatic enzymes, particularly in cats receiving chronic therapy, due to the risk of idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity associated with some oral benzodiazepines.
Drug interactions
- Antacids: May slow the rate, but not the extent of oral absorption of alprazolam; administer 2 hours apart.
- CNS Depressant Agents (barbiturates, narcotics, anesthetics): Additive CNS depression effects may occur.
- Digoxin: Serum levels of digoxin may be increased; monitor for toxicity.
- Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine: Increased alprazolam levels.
- Hepatically Metabolized Drugs (Cimetidine, erythromycin, isoniazid, ketoconazole, itraconazole): Metabolism of alprazolam may be decreased, leading to excessive sedation.
- Rifampin: May induce hepatic microsomal enzymes and decrease the pharmacologic effects of benzodiazepines.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Imipramine): Alprazolam may increase levels of these drugs; concurrent use with clomipramine may improve efficacy for phobias.
- Itraconazole: Inhibits alprazolam metabolism, potentially increasing sedation and toxicity
- Ketoconazole: Inhibits alprazolam metabolism
- Clomipramine: Used concurrently as an adjunct, but may have additive CNS depressant effects
Frequently asked questions
What is Alprazolam used for in pets?
- **Timing is crucial**: For situational anxiety (like thunderstorms or fireworks), give the medication approximately **30 to 60 minutes before** the anticipated event to ensure it takes effect before the pet becomes panicked. - **Administration**: If you have difficulty pilling your pet, orally disintegrating tablets may be an option. Ensure your hands are completely dry before handling them. - **What to watch for**: Contact your veterinarian if you notice excessive sleepiness, severe unsteadiness, or any yellowing of the whites of the eyes or gums (jaundice), especially in cats. - **Behavioral changes**: Some pets may become unusually affectionate, irritable, or even more active (paradoxical reaction). Let your vet know if this occurs. - **Training**: This medication may temporarily slow your pet's ability to learn new commands during training sessions.
Is Alprazolam safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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