CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson, Fear Free,
Medication: Amitriptyline
Your cat has been prescribed amitriptyline to help with alleviation of anxiety or conditions relating to anxiety – such as self-inflicted skin conditions. It may also be used for treatment of nerve pain. Amitriptyline is also used in cats for the management of urinary problems.
ℹ️Key points: • There are no licensed veterinary products containing amitriptyline. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human drug to your pet which contains amitriptyline. Your veterinarian will explain off-license prescribing to you. • The safety of amitriptyline in pregnant and lactating queens has not been established. • Amitriptyline may cause seizures in cats with a history of epilepsy or seizure disorders. • Amitriptyline should be administered in conjunction with advice and support from a specialist feline behaviorist. • Dosage: varies between preparations. Follow your veterinarian’s directions.
ℹ️This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. ⚠️Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Amitriptyline (ah-mee-trip-til-een).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing amitriptyline.
Class of medication
- Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant.
- Blocks norepinephrine and serotonin uptake in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved with creating feelings of well-being and alertness and so blocking their uptake results in higher levels circulating in the blood and so can improve mood.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed amitriptyline?
Your veterinarian has prescribed amitriptyline to assist with anxiety that your pet may be experiencing.
How is the medication given?
Amitriptyline is given by mouth and may be given with or without food once to twice daily. Administering with food may reduce side effects. Preparations vary and dosing frequency will be advised by your veterinarian.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
The adverse effects of amitriptyline in dogs and cats are not well studied but may include drowsiness, constipation, difficulties urinating, hyperexcitability, irregular heart rhythm, seizures, anemia, vomiting or diarrhea. Side-effects that have been reported in humans include: sedation, dry mouth, diarrhea, vomiting, excitability, arrhythmias, low blood pressure, fainting, increased appetite, weight gain and less commonly seizures and bone marrow disorders. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns. Amitriptyline interacts with many drugs. Certain medications must be avoided or used with caution in a patients receiving amitriptyline, these include: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (including flea collars), anesthetic drugs, anti-epileptic drugs, cimetidine, and some sedative drugs. Amitriptyline should not be used in animals that have previously had an allergic reaction to amitriptyline. It should also be used with extreme caution in animals that have any history of seizures. Amitriptyline should be used with caution in pets with thyroid disease, urinary retention issues, liver disease, dry eye, glaucoma, heart arrhythmias, diabetes and anal gland tumors. Also use with caution in very young or elderly animals.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Amitriptyline should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused amitriptyline safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save amitriptyline for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Amitriptyline should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice. If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on amitriptyline?
Your veterinarian may need to regularly check your pet during treatment. If your veterinarian has any concerns about heart arrhythmias they may wish to run an ECG in addition to regular blood tests.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on amitriptyline can be found on the package insert.Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing amitriptyline available in the UK and Europe.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing amitriptyline available in the US.