Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. It’s used to treat certain behavioral problems, such as separation anxiety, fear of noises, and anxiety in dogs, and urinating out of the litter box, spraying, and anxiety in cats. Amitriptyline requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
•
Treats behavioral issues in dogs, such as separation anxiety
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Remedies feline behavioral problems, like urinating outside the litter box
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Reduces the frequency of vet visits
How it works: Amitriptyline affects chemicals in the brain that become unbalanced, leading to behavioral problems in your pet.
Cautions: Side effects of Amitriptyline may include drowsiness, dizziness, loss of appetite, and urinary retention, and this product may interact with other products your pet is taking.
More Information:
Brand Name Elavil (Merck)
Generic Name Amitriptyline (am-e-trip’-ta-lean)
What is the most important information I should know about amitriptyline: Amitriptyline is a prescription medication not FDA approved for veterinary use; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats. Amitriptyline is available as 10mg, 25mg, 50mg and 75mg tablets. The usual initial dose for dogs is 0.5-2mg per pound every 8-12 hours. The usual dose in cats is 5-10mg per cat once a day, at night. This medication may not help symptoms right away. It may take a number of days before symptoms begin to lessen. Contact your veterinarian if symptoms get worse or if new symptoms develop while the pet is on this medication. Amitriptyline may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
What is Amitriptyline: Amitriptyline is a Tricyclic antidepressant. Amitriptyline affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced leading to behavioral problems in dogs and cats. Amitriptyline is used in dogs to treat conditions such as separation anxiety, anxiety and fear of noise. In cats, amitriptyline is used to treat conditions such as urinating outside of the litter box, spraying, excessive grooming and anxiety. Amitriptyline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving amitriptyline to my pet: Do not give this medication if your pet has taken or used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as selegiline, Mitaban Dip or Preventic Collar within the last 14 days. 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.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Allow pet to drink plenty of water. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Do not stop giving amitriptyline suddenly. This could cause symptoms such as nausea, headache and malaise. Store amitriptyline at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of amitriptyline overdose include seizures, confusion, drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations and low blood pressure (dizziness, fatigue, fainting).
What should I avoid while giving Amitriptyline to my pet: Amitriptyline may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
What are the possible side effects of Amitriptyline: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving amitriptyline and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face, or hives); seizures; a fast or irregular heartbeat; high blood pressure; difficulty urinating; panting, muscle stiffness or severe muscle weakness. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving amitriptyline and talk to your veterinarian if your pet has drowsiness or dizziness; dry mouth and eyes; constipation; panting; mild agitation, weakness or headache; nausea or loss of weight or appetite. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Amitriptyline: Do not give this medication if your pet has taken or used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as selegiline, Mitaban Dip or Preventic Collar within the last 14 days. Amitriptyline may increase the effects of other drugs that may cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives, pain relievers, anxiety medications, and muscle relaxants. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with amitriptyline. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines including herbal products.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about amitriptyline written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant available by prescription for use in dogs to treat certain behavioral problems such as separation anxiety, fear of noises, and anxiety.
•
Amitriptyline is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats.
•
Amitriptyline is used in cats to treat urinating out of the litter box, spraying, and anxiety.
•
Do not give this medication if your pet is or has been using an MAOi (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) such as Selegiline, Anipryl, Mitaban Dip, or Preventic Collar within the last 14 days.
Tip: It may take a number of days before symptoms begin to lessen. Allow pet to drink plenty of water. Do not stop giving Amitriptyline suddenly.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
The usual initial dose is 0.5-2 mg per pound of pet’s body weight every 8-12 hours
Cats/Kittens:
All weights
The usual dose is 5-10 mg once a day, at night
Horses:
Storage: Store Amitriptyline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Amitriptyline:
Active Ingredient
Amount
Amitriptyline HCL
10 mg
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.
Amitriptyline:
Active Ingredient
Amount
Amitriptyline HCL
25 mg
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.
Amitriptyline:
Active Ingredient
Amount
Amitriptyline HCL
50 mg
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.
Amitriptyline:
Active Ingredient
Amount
Amitriptyline HCL
75 mg
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.
My poor cat's fur really went downhill on this medication. Dull, matted. In addition, she developed a UTI which required more medication. She went around in a stupor and became fairly unresponsive. The condition for which this med was prescribed continued, so I took her off this medication, with her doctor's approval.
We started using this with our smallest cat who freaks out around strangers or our other cats... She has gone from hiding to being out in the open more and the urinating outside of the box has lessened to a degree... Every animal is different but it may help others... Going to get more...
I adopted a 2 1/2 yr old boxer we named Buster. I have lived my life around boxers & know their high energy. Buster is over the top. He wants to be in everyone's face all the time, leaps, lunges, tears things up. I got to the point that I didn't want people to come to my house. Amitriptyline has helped calm him some. It helps make him manageable .
I began giving my neutered male orange tabby amitriptylene to help treat his separation anxiety - he would get so upset when I left for work in the morning that he would attack and bite me (he is declawed). Because of concerns for my safety and his well-being, my vet put Sam on this med. It has made such a difference - he is much less tense, and I can leave my house without wiping away bloody toothmarks. The only problem that he has had is the taste - when he doesn't swallow it immediately and gums it at all, it causes vomiting and a very upset tummy.
My cat has had a heart murmur and severe anxiety especially with strangers. He was to the point where he would run when he heard footsteps, not look where he's going and then slam into a wall or an obstacle in his way. he was also urinating outside of the litterbox. Since he has been on this medication he has calmed down quite a bit. The urinating outside the box has decreased tremendously. It hasn't made him into the "normal" cat he once was when he was a kitten (he is 8 yrs) but he has definately improved. No more running into walls.
We are going to be moving soon and this is going to devestate my cat and freak him out for weeks. He is an unusually high strung cat that is afraid of everything anyway so this change won't go over well with him. I'm afraid he's going to take off if he gets out. I have my own prescription for 25mgs which i will adjust for his weight. When should I start giving it to him so it will be working to the full effect when it comes time to move? Thanks.
Under no circumstances should you give any of your amitriptyline to your cat. If your veterinarian decides this is the best medication to use you can mention to him/her that you have some at home. He/she will determine the dose to give. Once again, do not give any of your medication to your cat.
100 lb choc lab. Has had allergy shot but not working. Was giving this med to help. Fall allergies are worst. Anyone have good results for this problem?
I'm sorry to hear that the allergy shot is not working. Amitriptyline is not an antihistamine, and I'm not clear what role this medication would have in treating your pet's allergy, unless the pet is very anxious or has some behavior issues as a result of the allergy. You may want to clarify what this medication is being used for with the veterinarian who prescribed it.
Yes this product is available as 100mg tablets. Unfortunately, we do not carry that strength. You would need to give 4 of the 50mg tablets which we do carry instead of 2 of the 100mg tablets.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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