Amitriptyline
Also known as: Elavil, Lentizol, Tryptanol
> **Patience is Key**: Behavioral changes will not happen overnight. It typically takes **several weeks** of consistent daily dosing to see the full effect. * **Do not stop abruptly**: If discontinuing the medication, the dose must be tapered slowly under veterinary guidance to prevent withdrawal signs. * **Side Effects**: Your pet may seem sleepy or have a dry mouth (you might notice increased lip smacking). Constipation or difficulty urinating can occur; notify your vet if you see these signs. * **Toxicity Warning**: Keep strictly out of reach of children and other pets in child-resistant packaging. An overdose can be fatal. * **Administration**: The pills can be bitter. Hiding them in a highly palatable treat or pill pocket is recommended.
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
- Adjunctive treatment of pruritus
- Acral pruritic dermatitis
- Separation anxiety or generalized anxiety
- Behavior disorders amenable to tricyclics
- Behavior disorders amenable to tricyclics
- Behavior disorders amenable to tricyclics
- Neuropathic pain
- Adjunctive treatment of pain associated with appendicular osteosarcoma
- Management of chronic anxiety, compulsive disorders, and separation anxiety
- Adjunctive treatment of feather plucking
- Adjunctive treatment of behavior disorders amenable to tricyclics
- Adjunctive treatment of behavior disorders amenable to tricyclics
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation
- Constipation
- Urinary retention
- Hyperexcitability (dogs)
- Seizures (rare)
- Cardiac dysrhythmias
- Bone marrow suppression
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hypersalivation (cats)
- Anorexia (cats)
- Thrombocytopenia
- Neutropenia
- Unkempt hair coat (cats)
- Ataxia
Cautions & contraindications
- Prior sensitivity to any tricyclic antidepressant
- Concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Use with extreme caution in patients with seizure disorders as tricyclic agents may reduce seizure thresholds. Use with caution in patients with thyroid disorders, hepatic disorders, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), glaucoma, cardiac rhythm disorders, diabetes, or adrenal tumors. FDA Pregnancy Category D (restrict use to pregnant animals only when benefits clearly outweigh risks).
Drug interactions
- Anticholinergic agents: Increased effects; hyperthermia and ileus possible
- Cimetidine: May inhibit tricyclic antidepressant metabolism and increase the risk of toxicity
- Cisapride: May have additive effects on QTc interval; possible serious arrhythmias may result
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (selegiline, amitraz): Potential life-threatening serotonin syndrome; use together not recommended
- CNS Depressants: Increased sedative effects
- Diazepam: Possible increased amitriptyline levels
- Quinidine: Increased risk for QTc interval prolongation and tricyclic adverse effects
- Selective-Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs, fluoxetine): Potential increased amitriptyline levels, increased risk for serotonin syndrome; enhanced monitoring suggested if used together
- Sympathomimetic agents: May increase the risk of cardiac effects (arrhythmias, hypertension, hyperpyrexia)
- Thyroid agents: Increased risk for arrhythmias; monitor closely
Frequently asked questions
What is Amitriptyline used for in pets?
> **Patience is Key**: Behavioral changes will not happen overnight. It typically takes **several weeks** of consistent daily dosing to see the full effect. * **Do not stop abruptly**: If discontinuing the medication, the dose must be tapered slowly under veterinary guidance to prevent withdrawal signs. * **Side Effects**: Your pet may seem sleepy or have a dry mouth (you might notice increased lip smacking). Constipation or difficulty urinating can occur; notify your vet if you see these signs. * **Toxicity Warning**: Keep strictly out of reach of children and other pets in child-resistant packaging. An overdose can be fatal. * **Administration**: The pills can be bitter. Hiding them in a highly palatable treat or pill pocket is recommended.
Is Amitriptyline 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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