Amitriptyline
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Amitriptyline for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- Amitriptyline belongs to a group of medicines called tricyclic antidepressants. It may be used to help with behavior problems, itching, or pain.
- Give this medicine together with food.
- Your pet should always be able to drink plenty of clean, fresh water.
- The full helpful effect may not be seen for a few weeks.
- This medicine can react with many other medicines and products. Do not give any other medicines, vitamins, supplements, or parasite products (including flea and tick collars) unless your veterinarian says it is okay.
- The side effects seen most often are sleepiness, a dry mouth, and constipation.
- Do not stop this medicine suddenly.
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
- Medicine type: Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
- Form: Tablets taken by mouth
Other common names
- Elavil
Uses of Amitriptyline 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). It may be used to help treat:
- Anxiety or other behavior problems in dogs, cats, and other animals
- Itching in dogs and cats
- Long-lasting (chronic) pain in dogs and cats
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your pet is taking, because this medicine can interact with many other drugs
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your pet is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use in animals:
- Pets that have had an allergic reaction to this medicine or to other tricyclic antidepressants
- Pets that are wearing an amitraz collar or are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as selegiline
Tell your veterinarian about all medicines, collars, and dips used within 2 weeks before starting this medicine.
Use with caution in animals:
- Pets with seizure problems
- Pets with adrenal gland tumors
- Pets with glaucoma or dry eye syndrome
- Pets with liver, kidney, thyroid, or heart problems
- Pets with diabetes mellitus
- Pets that are receiving cisapride
- Pets that are very old or very young
- Pets that have difficulty urinating or passing stool
- Pets that are pregnant or nursing
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your pet competes, check the rules while your pet is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Animals that work or assist people may become too sleepy to do their tasks.
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it.
- Give with food.
- Because this medicine can cause a dry mouth, make sure your pet always has plenty of fresh water available.
- If this medicine is being used for long-term behavior problems, it should be used along with a behavior-change plan. Talk with your veterinarian about this.
Side effects
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Sleepiness
- Wobbliness or trouble staying steady
- Dry mouth and drinking more than usual
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
- Trouble urinating, especially in cats
Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Seizures
- Unusual overexcitement or being overly stimulated
- Fainting or collapse
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Very rarely, this medicine can lead to a problem called serotonin syndrome. This means too much serotonin builds up in the body. Possible signs include stiff muscles, muscle shaking, restlessness, panting or pacing, agitation, large pupils, poor coordination, confusion, or seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see any of these signs.
Using more than one medicine that affects serotonin at the same time raises the chance of serotonin syndrome.
How will I know it's working?
Call your veterinary clinic if your pet’s symptoms get worse or do not get better.
This medicine must be given regularly for several weeks before it reaches its full effect. You should notice your pet’s symptoms improving slowly as the medicine becomes fully effective.
However, side effects may appear right away.
How long will the medication effects last?
The effects of this medicine may continue for a few days after the final dose.
The effects may last longer if your pet’s liver or kidneys do not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods, but it is often used long term. Keep giving it for as long as your veterinarian instructs.
Do not stop this medicine suddenly.
When stopping, the dose must be lowered slowly over time to avoid withdrawal side effects. Your veterinarian will give you instructions for tapering.
Overdose
Signs of taking too much can include difficulty breathing, collapse, and unconsciousness. If you see or suspect an overdose, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center right away (a consultation fee may apply):
If possible, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Skip the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal 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 this medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid 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.
- Home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“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.”