Drug Fact Sheet : Amitriptyline is also known as Elavil, Laroxyl and other trade names.
.Description :
Amitriptyline belongs to a class of drugs known as tricyclic anti-depressants and is used to treat conditions in the dog and cat which involve anxiety. In the dog these conditions would include separation anxiety and various recognised compulsive disorder conditions. In the cat I have found it very useful in treating cats which urinate in inappropriate areas in the house because of territorial marking, this can be related to anxiety about other cats in the house or area. It has also been used to treat certain forms of cystitis such as interstitial cystitis in the cat. This drug is not approved for use in animals in the USA and elsewhere but can be prescribed legally by veterinarians on an extra label basis.
.Points to watch :
1. Amitriptyline may interact with certain drugs, these may include cimetidine, other drugs such as as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and drugs classified as serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac, please note this is not an exhaustive list.
2. Side effects at a normal dose rate have been known to include sedation, dry mouth, increased water consumption, rapid heart rate, and urine retention
3. Overdose in animals can affect the heart and where overdose it suspected you should seek immediate veterinary help as fatalities are possible.
.Dose rates :
For dogs suggested oral dose rates have been given as 0.5 to 2 mg per pound of the animal’s bodyweight once or twice a day, and for cats the dose is between 2 to 10 mg per cat once daily. { This is not a mg per pound calculation in the cat but a single dose }
.Please note this is a concise fact sheet which is given for your interest and education only and should not be regarded as an inducement to self treat your dog. Treatment with prescription drugs is best done by your vet. Much more extensive and detailed information will be found in the appropriate professional data sheet for each drug.
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