Amitriptyline

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Amitriptyline has been prescribed to treat separation anxiety in your dog or to treat excessive grooming, urine spraying and anxiety in cats. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant.

Amitriptyline is registered as a human formulation  in Australia, but veterinarians can prescribe it to dogs and cats.

How does this medicine work?

Amitriptyline is an inhibitor of neuronal re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline.

How do I give this medication?

- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.

- If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.

- Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.

- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.

- DO NOT discontinue the medication without first checking with your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian in advance if your pet needs a repeat prescription.

- Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

- The most often noted side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, urine retention, and constipation, but these effects should disappear after a while. If these symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian.

- Your pet may experience a faster heart rate, some excitement, disorientation, hyperactivity and stomach upset. Notify your veterinarian if symptoms are troublesome and continue.

- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Possible drug interactions

- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.

- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.

- Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.

- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.