Sertraline
Also known as: Zoloft, Altruline, Anilar, Aremis, Atenix, Besitran, Bicromil, Gladem, Insertec, Irradial, Lustral, Novativ, Sealdin, Serad, Sercerin, Serlain, Serta, Tatig, Tolrest, Tresleen
**What to Expect:** * **Patience is Key:** This medication does not work immediately. It typically takes **4 to 8 weeks** of consistent daily dosing to see noticeable improvements in your pet's behavior. * **Commitment:** You must commit to using the drug for several months to accurately determine if it is helping. **Important Guidelines:** * **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** Never suddenly stop giving this medication unless directed by your veterinarian, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. If the medication needs to be stopped, your vet will provide a tapering schedule. * **Appetite Changes:** A decrease in appetite is common, especially in dogs, when starting the medication. This is usually temporary. You can try hand-feeding or making the food more palatable. If your pet stops eating entirely, contact your vet. * **Monitor Behavior:** Because this drug alters brain chemistry, watch for any unusual behavior, such as increased anxiety, restlessness, or unexpected aggression. Report any significant abnormal findings to your veterinarian immediately. * **Liquid Medication:** If using the oral solution, it must be diluted before giving it to your pet. Only mix it with water, orange juice, ginger ale, lemonade, or lemon/lime soda, and give it immediately after mixing.
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
- Treatment of compulsive disorders
- Urine marking (spraying), aggression, anxiety-including anxiogenic house soiling, phobias, fears
- Treatment of behavioral diagnoses
- Treatment of fear, affective or dominance aggression
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Treatment of compulsive disorder, anxiety
- Behavioral diagnoses
- Increase inhibitory control (e.g., play-related aggressive behaviour)
- Treatment of compulsive disorders
- Behavioral diagnoses
- Behavioral diagnoses
- Treatment of behavioral diagnoses
- Compulsive disorder, anxiety
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia (common in dogs, usually transient)
- Lethargy or sedation
- Gastrointestinal effects (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Anxiety or irritability
- Insomnia or hyperactivity
- Panting (dogs)
- Changes in elimination patterns (cats)
- Paradoxical aggressive behavior in previously non-aggressive animals
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Trembling
- Restlessness
- Gastrointestinal disturbance
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to sertraline or other SSRIs
- Concurrent use of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) such as selegiline or amitraz
- Concurrent use of cisapride
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Concurrent use of MAOIs (e.g., selegiline)
- **Hepatic Impairment:** Use with caution in patients with severe hepatic disease; dosages may need to be decreased or the dosing interval increased due to extensive hepatic metabolism. **Geriatric Patients:** Use with caution; dose adjustments may be necessary. **Pregnancy:** FDA Category C in humans. Animal studies (rats/rabbits) showed delayed ossification and decreased pup survival. Use only if benefits outweigh risks. **Weaning:** Avoid abrupt discontinuation; taper the dose gradually over several weeks to prevent withdrawal signs.
Drug interactions
- Buspirone: Increased risk for serotonin syndrome
- Cimetidine: May increase sertraline levels
- Cyproheptadine: May decrease or reverse the effects of SSRIs
- Diazepam: Sertraline may decrease diazepam clearance
- Isoniazid: Increased risk for serotonin syndrome
- MAO Inhibitors (e.g., amitraz, selegiline): High risk for serotonin syndrome; use contraindicated. A 5-week washout period is required after discontinuing sertraline before starting an MAOI, and a 2-week washout if discontinuing an MAOI before starting sertraline.
- Pentazocine: Serotonin syndrome-like adverse effects possible
- Tramadol: SSRIs can inhibit the metabolism of tramadol to active metabolites, decreasing efficacy and increasing the risk of toxicity (serotonin syndrome, seizures)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (e.g., clomipramine, amitriptyline): Sertraline may increase TCA blood levels and increase the risk for serotonin syndrome
- Warfarin: Sertraline may increase the risk for bleeding
Frequently asked questions
What is Sertraline used for in pets?
**What to Expect:** * **Patience is Key:** This medication does not work immediately. It typically takes **4 to 8 weeks** of consistent daily dosing to see noticeable improvements in your pet's behavior. * **Commitment:** You must commit to using the drug for several months to accurately determine if it is helping. **Important Guidelines:** * **Do Not Stop Abruptly:** Never suddenly stop giving this medication unless directed by your veterinarian, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. If the medication needs to be stopped, your vet will provide a tapering schedule. * **Appetite Changes:** A decrease in appetite is common, especially in dogs, when starting the medication. This is usually temporary. You can try hand-feeding or making the food more palatable. If your pet stops eating entirely, contact your vet. * **Monitor Behavior:** Because this drug alters brain chemistry, watch for any unusual behavior, such as increased anxiety, restlessness, or unexpected aggression. Report any significant abnormal findings to your veterinarian immediately. * **Liquid Medication:** If using the oral solution, it must be diluted before giving it to your pet. Only mix it with water, orange juice, ginger ale, lemonade, or lemon/lime soda, and give it immediately after mixing.
Is Sertraline 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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