Amitriptyline Compounded: Pet Anxiety Medication

What is Amitriptyline Compounded?

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. Compounding is beneficial in instances where a specific dosage is unavailable where a different form will make it easier to dose your pet. Amitriptyline requires a prescription from your veterinarian.

For:

Cats and Dogs

Benefits:

Treats behavioral issues in dogs, such as separation anxiety
Remedies feline behavioral problems, like urinating outside the litter box
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.

Directions:

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 your pet to drink plenty of water. Do not stop giving Amitriptyline suddenly.

Dosage:

Dogs:

Weight

Dosage

All weights

The usual initial dose is 0.5-2 mg per pound of pet's body weight every 8-12 hours.

Cats/Kittens:

Weight

Dosage

All weights

The usual dose is 5-10 mg once a day, at night.

Horses:

Do not use!

Storage:

Store Amitriptyline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What is a Compounded Medication?

A compounded medication is the creation of a particular medication to fit the unique needs of a patient, including changing the form of the medication (e.g., from a solid pill to a liquid) for a variety reasons (e.g., to make it easier to take, to avoid a non-essential ingredient, to obtain the exact dose needed, adding favorite flavors).

If you are having difficulty giving your pet prescribed medication or need to find a discontinued medication, 1-800-PetMeds offers compounding services on select medications. We can prepare the following: (1) custom strength quantities of a medication (as capsules, liquid, chewable tablets, or transdermal (absorbed through the skin); (2) dosage forms to mask bitter or unpleasant taste (such as capsules or chewable tablets that can also be flavored); (3) dosage forms to make it easier to dose your pet such as a transdermal or liquid (that can also be flavored); and (4) discontinued products such as cisapride or DES.

Side effects from transdermal application?

After a few months of applying the transdermal amitripyline to my cat's ears, I'm noticing some irritation. I can't tell if it's from the medicine, or if perhaps she's getting into scuffles outside...the edges look "jagged" & have some scabs all of the sudden. She doesn't seem to be in pain or bothered when I touch them though. Just curious if anyone else has experienced anything similar. Thanks!

Asked by: Casey

Please speak to your veterinarian and have your pet examined. It is possible your veterinarian will recommend alternating ears for application to minimize any irritation if this is the case.

Answered by: Stephanie Duesler, Pharm. D, MBA

Date published: 2015-03-26

amitriptyline transdermal 1-ml syringe

Is the amitriptyline transdermal 1-ml syringe one month's worth? I've gotten it at a local apothecary and it's extremely expensive. I'm hoping to find a less expensive alternative. One filled syringe is to last one month, but I'm not sure what dose that breaks down to per day. I place it inside the ears, alternating each day. (Prescribed for out-of-the-box urination.) Thank you!

Asked by: siswink

The amount of time the syringe will last is determined by the dose and frequency that the veterinarian prescribes. There is 100mg in each 1mL syringe. Speak to your veterinarian about the dose your pet requires.

Answered by: Cheryl-Pharmacist

Date published: 2014-10-30

Amitriptyline

Is this the same Amitriptyline prescribed for people? Everything I have read and heard lately about it says it is but I wanted/needed to make sure before administering it. Thanks!!! Need to know ASAP pls!!!!! :)

Asked by: seeshell

yes it is the same

Answered by: Linda M 1800petmeds pharmacist

Date published: 2014-04-29

In regard to the Amitriptyline Transdermal, 100mg/1ml, is that one 1ml syringe of that medication?

Asked by: jill

Yes the medication is made in a 1ml syringe.

Answered by: Pharmacist

Date published: 2014-01-28

help aggession behavoir

will this help a dog to not be so aggressive around other dogs

Asked by: lefty4ever

Amitriptyline is an anti depressant that can be used to help behavioral problems in dogs.

Answered by: Marty, Pharm. D.

Date published: 2012-07-05

Regarding the transdermal 1 ml syringe; for a cat where on the cats body is the recomended application site?

Also, what device is used for application; ie: dropper or syringe?

Asked by: Anonymous

My vet prescribed amitriptyline for my cat 10 milligrams which one am I suppose to order and how long will it last?

Asked by: lizz