Selegiline
Also known as: Selgian, Anipryl
Selegiline is used to help manage behavioural issues like anxiety, phobias, and cognitive dysfunction (dementia) in older pets. * **Administration:** Give the medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. It usually takes several weeks (at least 2 months) to see the full benefits. * **Stopping the drug:** Unlike some other behavioural medications, selegiline can be stopped suddenly without needing to slowly reduce the dose. * **Important Warnings:** Inform your vet of **all** medications, supplements, or tick collars (especially those containing amitraz) your pet is using, as selegiline can have severe interactions with many other drugs. * **Pregnancy:** Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals.
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
- Behavioural disorders and cognitive dysfunction
- Cognitive decline in older cats
How it is given
Possible side effects
- No specific adverse reactions are listed in the monograph
- Clinical Pearl: May occasionally cause mild gastrointestinal upset, restlessness, or lethargy
Cautions & contraindications
- Known sensitivity to selegiline
- Lactating bitches (acts on prolactin secretion)
- Pregnant bitches
- Normal safety and handling precautions should be observed. > **Warning:** Do not use in pregnant or lactating bitches due to its effects on prolactin secretion. Strict washout periods are required when switching to or from other psychoactive medications (e.g., TCAs, SSRIs).
Drug interactions
- Alpha-2 antagonists: Should not be administered concurrently or within 24 hours before/after use
- Pethidine: Contraindicated concurrent use
- Ephedrine: Contraindicated concurrent use
- Amitraz: Potential MAOI interaction; contraindicated
- Phenothiazines: Contraindicated concurrent use
- Morphine: Potentiates the effect of morphine
- Metronidazole: Potential interaction exists
- Prednisolone: Potential interaction exists
- Trimethoprim: Potential interaction exists
- Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepin, clomipramine): Do not use selegiline for at least 2-3 weeks after TCA use
- Fluoxetine: Do not use selegiline for at least 6 weeks after long-term fluoxetine use
Frequently asked questions
What is Selegiline used for in pets?
Selegiline is used to help manage behavioural issues like anxiety, phobias, and cognitive dysfunction (dementia) in older pets. * **Administration:** Give the medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. It usually takes several weeks (at least 2 months) to see the full benefits. * **Stopping the drug:** Unlike some other behavioural medications, selegiline can be stopped suddenly without needing to slowly reduce the dose. * **Important Warnings:** Inform your vet of **all** medications, supplements, or tick collars (especially those containing amitraz) your pet is using, as selegiline can have severe interactions with many other drugs. * **Pregnancy:** Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals.
Is Selegiline 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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