What is Amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic depressant used to treat many behavioral disorders in pets. It may be prescribed to treat separation anxiety, excessive grooming, death of a companion, or other problems. Amitriptyline has a pain relieving component, and is often used for anxiety disorders involving pain in cats. Amitriptyline requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Cats and Dogs

Benefits:

Cautions:

Amitriptyline should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug. Amitriptyline may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with amitriptyline. Such drugs include cimetidine, drugs classified as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or drugs classified as serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver or kidney disease; asthma; thyroid disease; diabetes; stomach or intestinal problems; high blood pressure or heart disease; difficulty urinating, or glaucoma. Tell your veterinarian if the pet is pregnant or lactating.

Brand Name:

Various

Generic Name:

Amitriptyline (am-e-trip'-ta-lean)

What happens if I miss giving a dose:

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.

Possible side effects of Amitriptyline:

If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving amitriptyline and seek emergency veterinary care;

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Decrease in urination
• Dry eyes
• Constipation
• Increase in heart rate
• Vomiting
• Hyperexcitability
• Increase in seizures in epileptic pets

Storage:

Store Amitriptyline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.