Alprazolam
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Alprazolam for pets during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- This medicine is commonly used to reduce or prevent fear and anxiety.
- It can be given either with food or on an empty stomach.
- For use around a specific situation, it should be given about 1 hour before the event that usually causes the fear or anxiety.
- Sleepiness is the side effect seen most often. A bigger appetite can also happen, and this is more likely in cats.
- In uncommon cases, the medicine may cause the opposite of the desired effect, such as restlessness or overly active behavior instead of calming. If you see this, contact your veterinarian.
- This medicine is a controlled drug. It must be used only for the animal it was prescribed for. Giving it to someone else or selling it is against the law.
Note: This handout is meant to answer common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine and does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- This medicine belongs to a group of calming, anti-anxiety medicines called benzodiazepines.
- It comes as regular tablets, long-acting tablets, tablets that melt in the mouth, and a liquid taken by mouth.
Other common names
- Xanax
Uses of Alprazolam for pets
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may still choose to use it in animals (this is called extra-label use), including for:
- Fear, anxiety, and phobias in dogs, cats, and other animals
- Litter box or house soiling problems in cats
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines, vitamins, or supplements your animal is currently receiving
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in animals:
- That have an allergy to this medicine or to other benzodiazepines
Use extra care in:
- Animals that are ill, very weak, or older
- Animals that have liver or kidney problems
- Animals with glaucoma
- Animals that are aggressive
- Animals that have jobs to do (working or service animals), because they may become too sleepy to do their tasks
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medicine.
Warnings for humans
- After touching any medicine, wash your hands.
- This is a controlled drug. It must be used only for the animal it was prescribed for. It is illegal to give it to anyone else or sell it.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian directed. Follow the directions on the prescription label every time.
- It may be given with food or without food.
- If you are using it for a specific situation, give it about 1 hour before the expected trigger.
- If you are using tablets that melt in the mouth, your hands must be fully dry before you touch the tablet.
- If you are giving the liquid form, measure it with an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not measure with kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
- When this medicine is used for behavior concerns, it should be paired with a behavior-change plan. Talk with your veterinarian about this.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if any of these are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Sleepiness or low energy
- Poor balance, clumsiness, or a wobbly walk
- Increased appetite
- In cats, unusual behavior such as being more affectionate than usual, seeming down, or being irritable
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these:
- Aggression or agitation
- Yellow color of the skin, gums, or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- This medicine may make it harder for your animal to learn and may slow training.
- In rare cases, animals may become more excited instead of calmer. If this happens, contact your veterinarian.
How will I know it's working?
- Your animal should begin to improve within 1 to 2 hours.
Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not improve.
How long will the medication effects last?
- The effects should wear off within 12 to 24 hours after the last dose.
- The effects may last longer if your animal’s liver does not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
- This medicine may be used for different time periods. Keep giving it for as long as your veterinarian instructs. You may need prescription refills.
- If your animal has been taking it for a long time, the dose must be reduced slowly over time.
- Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal side effects.
- Speak with your veterinarian before you stop this medicine.
Overdose
Possible overdose signs include very heavy sleepiness, weakness, trouble walking steadily, shaking, restlessness, confusion, unusual vocal sounds, or difficulty breathing. If you see an overdose or think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If you can, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose when you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the normal scheduled time.
- Continue with the usual schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at normal room temperature.
Disposal
Because this is a controlled drug, get rid of any leftover medicine as soon as you can. Do not flush it in the toilet and do not pour it into a sink drain. Ways to dispose of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby site, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Combine the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
Keep this medicine where children and animals cannot reach it.
Because this is a controlled drug, keep it stored in a secure place and out of view.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”