Trazodone
Also known as: Desyrel, Oleptro, Molipaxin
- **Administration**: Preferably give with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset (like vomiting or gagging). - **Timing**: For situational anxiety (e.g., vet visits, fireworks), administer **1 to 2 hours before** the anticipated stressful event. - **Observation**: Monitor your pet for excessive sedation, lethargy, or uncoordinated walking (ataxia). - **Paradoxical Effects**: Rarely, pets may exhibit increased excitement, anxiety, or changes in appetite. - **Important Warning**: Do not combine with other medications or supplements (especially tick collars containing amitraz) without consulting your veterinarian, as this can lead to a rare but serious condition called **serotonin syndrome**. - **Communication**: Report any unforeseen adverse effects to your veterinarian, as trazodone is still being studied for extensive use in dogs.
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 anxiety-related disorders (Daily medication only)
- Adjunctive treatment of anxiety-related disorders (As needed only)
- Adjunctive treatment of anxiety-related disorders (Daily medication and as needed)
- Adjunctive treatment of anxiety-related disorders
- Adjunctive treatment of anxiety-related disorders
- Adjunctive treatment of anxiety-related disorders (Situational)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Ataxia
- Cardiac conduction disturbances
- Increased anxiety (paradoxical)
- Aggression (paradoxical)
- Vomiting/gagging
- Increased excitement
- Increased appetite
- Colitis
- Serotonin syndrome (rare, usually with concurrent serotonergic drugs)
- Vomiting
- Excitability
- Dry mouth
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to trazodone
- Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors (e.g., amitraz, selegiline)
- Glaucoma
- History of seizures
- Urinary retention
- Severe liver disease
- > **Cardiac & Organ Impairment**: Use with caution in patients with severe cardiac disease or hepatic or renal impairment. > **Pregnancy**: FDA Category C. Animal studies show adverse effects at very high doses (15-50X). Weigh potential risks versus benefits in pregnant or nursing animals. > **Serotonin Syndrome**: Risk increases significantly when combined with other serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, MAOIs, TCAs).
Drug interactions
- Antihypertensive drugs: May increase reductions in blood pressure and cause hypotension
- Aspirin: Increase risk for GI bleeding; monitor
- Azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, fluconazole): May increase trazodone blood levels
- CNS depressants: Use with trazodone may cause additive CNS depressant effects
- Digoxin: Trazodone may increase digoxin levels
- Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin): May increase trazodone blood levels
- Metoclopramide: Increased risk for serotonin syndrome
- NSAIDs: Increased risk for GI bleeding; monitor
- Phenothiazines: May increase trazodone blood levels; cause additive CNS effects
- SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine): Increased risk for serotonin syndrome. Commonly used together, but monitor closely.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Contraindicated; high risk of serotonin syndrome
Frequently asked questions
What is Trazodone used for in pets?
- **Administration**: Preferably give with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset (like vomiting or gagging). - **Timing**: For situational anxiety (e.g., vet visits, fireworks), administer **1 to 2 hours before** the anticipated stressful event. - **Observation**: Monitor your pet for excessive sedation, lethargy, or uncoordinated walking (ataxia). - **Paradoxical Effects**: Rarely, pets may exhibit increased excitement, anxiety, or changes in appetite. - **Important Warning**: Do not combine with other medications or supplements (especially tick collars containing amitraz) without consulting your veterinarian, as this can lead to a rare but serious condition called **serotonin syndrome**. - **Communication**: Report any unforeseen adverse effects to your veterinarian, as trazodone is still being studied for extensive use in dogs.
Is Trazodone 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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