Buspirone
Also known as: BuSpar
> **Important:** This medication is not a "quick fix" and requires consistency. * **Patience is Key:** It typically takes 1 to 4 weeks of daily use to see noticeable improvements in your pet's behavior. * **Do Not Use As-Needed:** It must be given consistently every day. Giving it only during a stressful event (like a thunderstorm) will not work. * **Behavioral Changes in Cats:** If used in a multi-cat household, a previously timid cat may become more confident and potentially stand up to or attack a bully cat. Monitor their interactions closely. * **Side Effects:** Generally very safe. You might notice mild stomach upset, dizziness, or changes in affection levels (cats may become unusually cuddly). * **Missed Doses:** If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but never double up on doses.
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 low-grade anxieties/fears, spraying, overgrooming
- Adjunctive treatment of low-grade anxieties/fears, spraying, overgrooming
- Urine marking
- Adjunctive treatment of low-grade anxieties/fears, spraying, overgrooming
- Social phobias, panic disorders
- Low-grade anxieties and fears
- Low-grade anxieties and fears
- Low-grade anxieties and fears
- Global anxiety
- Social phobias, panic disorders
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Bradycardia
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Stereotypic behaviors
- Increased affection (cats)
- Paradoxical aggression/turning on attackers (previously timid cats)
- Dizziness (humans)
- Headache (humans)
- Nausea/anorexia (humans)
- Restlessness (humans)
- Tachycardia (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Severe hepatic disease (use with caution)
- Severe renal disease (use with caution)
- Aggressive animals (may reduce disinhibition)
- Working dogs (use with caution despite low sedation)
- Acute situational anxieties (as sole therapy)
- Buspirone should be used with caution in patients with significant renal or hepatic disease. Because buspirone may reduce disinhibition, it should be used with caution in aggressive animals. While it has far less sedating properties than many other anxiolytic drugs, it should be used with caution in working dogs. It often takes a week or more for effect, so it should not be used as the sole therapy for situational anxieties. Avoid use during nursing if possible, as it is distributed into maternal milk.
Drug interactions
- Tricyclic or SSRI agents: May be used in combination, but dosage reductions may be necessary to minimize adverse effects
- CNS Depressants: Potentially could cause increased CNS depression
- Diltiazem: May cause increased buspirone plasma levels and adverse effects
- Erythromycin: May cause increased buspirone plasma levels and adverse effects
- Grapefruit juice (powder): May cause increased buspirone plasma levels and adverse effects
- Ketoconazole, Itraconazole: May cause increased buspirone plasma levels and adverse effects
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, amitraz): Use with buspirone is not recommended because dangerous hypertension may occur
- Rifampin: May cause decreased buspirone plasma levels
- Trazodone: Use with buspirone may cause increased ALT
- Verapamil: May cause increased buspirone plasma levels
Frequently asked questions
What is Buspirone used for in pets?
> **Important:** This medication is not a "quick fix" and requires consistency. * **Patience is Key:** It typically takes 1 to 4 weeks of daily use to see noticeable improvements in your pet's behavior. * **Do Not Use As-Needed:** It must be given consistently every day. Giving it only during a stressful event (like a thunderstorm) will not work. * **Behavioral Changes in Cats:** If used in a multi-cat household, a previously timid cat may become more confident and potentially stand up to or attack a bully cat. Monitor their interactions closely. * **Side Effects:** Generally very safe. You might notice mild stomach upset, dizziness, or changes in affection levels (cats may become unusually cuddly). * **Missed Doses:** If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but never double up on doses.
Is Buspirone 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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