Trazodone
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Trazodone during a consultation by Dr Noor. Trazodone for pets in Perth.”
Key Information – Trazodone for pets
Key points:
- Trazodone is given for different problems related to anxiety.
- It can be given either with food or on an empty stomach.
- For anxiety that happens around a specific event, it usually works best if given 1 to 2 hours before the event.
- For long-term behavior problems, the strongest calming effect may not be seen until it has been used regularly for several weeks.
- The side effects seen most often include sleepiness, lower activity level, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Note: This handout is meant to answer common questions. It does not include every detail known about this medicine, and it does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- Medicine used to reduce anxiety.
- A medicine that affects serotonin (a natural body chemical linked with mood and behavior) by blocking some effects and also changing how it is taken back up.
- Comes as tablets that are given by mouth.
Other common names
- Desyrel
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may still choose to prescribe it for animals (this is called extra-label use), including for:
- Helping with stress or anxiety in dogs, cats, and other animals.
- Helping prevent anxiety in dogs and cats during stressful situations such as vet appointments, car travel, thunderstorms, or fireworks.
- Helping keep dogs, cats, and other animals calmer when they must limit activity.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely risk-free for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently getting.
- Any illnesses or health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- Any bad 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 give this medicine to animals:
- That have an allergy to it.
- That are wearing an amitraz flea collar or are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). One example of an MAOI is selegiline. Tell your veterinarian about all medicines, collars, and dips used within 2 weeks before starting this medicine.
Use extra care in animals:
- With kidney, liver, or heart problems.
- With closed-angle glaucoma.
- That are pregnant or nursing.
- That are working animals or service animals, because they may become too sleepy to do their tasks.
Some animal 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.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it.
- It may be given with food or without food.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if any of the following are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Sleepiness or low energy.
- Trouble with balance or coordination.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- More anxiety.
- Aggressive behavior.
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following:
- Very rarely, this medicine can cause a problem called serotonin syndrome. This means too much serotonin builds up in the body. Possible signs include stiff muscles, muscle shaking, being unable to settle, heavy breathing with open mouth, repeated walking or pacing, acting upset or overexcited, large pupils, poor coordination, confusion, or seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see any of these signs.
- The chance of serotonin syndrome is higher if more than one medicine that affects serotonin is given at the same time.
How will I know it's working?
Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
- After the final dose, the medicine’s effect should be gone within 24 hours.
- The effect 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 the length of time your veterinarian instructs.
- If this medicine is being used for long-term behavior problems, do not stop it suddenly.
- When stopping, the amount may need to be reduced slowly over time to avoid withdrawal side effects.
- Your veterinarian will tell you how to lower the dose.
Overdose
If you see or think an overdose has happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If possible, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if a dose is missed:
- Give it as soon as you remember, 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 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 or give extra doses.
When this medicine is used for anxiety tied to a specific situation, it usually works best when given 1 to 2 hours before the stressful event. Follow your veterinarian’s directions.
When this medicine is used for long-term behavior problems, it should be used along with a behavior-change plan. Talk with your veterinarian about this.
Storage
- Keep in the original container at room temperature.
- Keep away from light.
- Store 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:
- Medication take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Combine 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.”