Amitriptyline

Antidepressants for Dogs and Cats

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat anxiety and related behaviors in dogs and cats. The medication effectively reduces stress and anxiety associated with separation, grooming, travel, loud noises, and other causes, while also improving negative behaviors, such as spraying, excessive vocalizations, and inappropriate voiding.

Benefits of Amitriptyline:

• Reduces the frequency of veterinarian visits
• Calms pets to control acting out
• Treats stress-related behavioral issues
• Does not affect memory or personality
• Stops inappropriate voiding and spraying
• Calms pets without sedation

Use this medication only as directed by your veterinarian.

Amitriptyline tastes bitter, making it difficult to administer to some animals. If your pet refuses to accept this medication, consult your veterinarian.

Do not allow children to administer Amitriptyline.

Directions:

1. Give dogs 0.5 to 2 mg per pound of body weight every 8 to 12 hours.
2. Give cats 5 to 10 mg once per day as a single dose.
3. Offer your pet continuous access to water while using this medication.
4. Decrease dose gradually during discontinuation to prevent withdrawal effects.

Frequency of Use:

Symptoms may not disappear immediately. Continue giving this medication until directed to stop by your veterinarian.

Storage:

Store Amitriptyline at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep away from children and pets.

It is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.

Amitriptyline works by altering levels of serotonin and certain other chemicals in the brain that become unbalanced in some pets during stressful situations, such as thunderstorms, travel, boarding, vet visits, grooming, and crowds. This effect reduces anxiety and helps control behavior.

Active Ingredients: Amitriptyline HCL

Other Ingredients: Colloidal silicone dioxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose (monohydrate), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch (corn), titanium dioxide

10 mg dose also includes: D & C Red # 27 Aluminum Lake, D & C Yellow #10 Aluminum Lake, and FD & C Blue #1 Aluminum Lake.

25 mg dose also includes: D & C Yellow Aluminum Lake.

50 mg dose also includes: FD & C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake, and FD & C Red #40 Aluminum Lake.

75 mg dose also includes: D & C Red #7 Calcium Lake, and FD & C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake.

Warnings:

Keep Amitriptyline out of reach of children and animals. Do not use or store in or near open flame or heat.

Amitriptyline is intended for use in dogs and cats only. Not for other animals.

CAUTION: Side effects associated with use of Amitriptyline include reduced appetite, drowsiness, and urinary retention.

Do not give Amitriptyline if your dog or cat is taking or has recently taken or used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as Preventic Collar, selegiline, or Mitaban Dip.

Consult your veterinarian before use if your pet has asthma, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, glaucoma, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, stomach problems, difficulty urinating, or other problems.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating before giving this medication.

Rapid discontinuation may cause headache, nausea, and malaise.

Symptoms of overdose may include agitation, drowsiness, low blood pressure, seizures, confusion, or hallucinations.

Do not use this medication in animals with a known allergy to it or to similar medications.