Amitriptyline is an antidepressant. It is the generic drug
names of Elavil, Tryptizol, Laroxyl, Sarotex, and Lentizol. Amitriptyline was
developed by Merck. The drug is not approved by the FDA to be used in dogs,
however, it has become an accepted practice among vets to use Amitriptyline on
dogs and cats.
Proper Administration
Amitriptyline is only available through
prescription. The drug can be purchased as ten to seventy-five milligram
tablets. In veterinary medicine, Amitriptyline is used in conjunction with
analgesics to manage chronic pain relating to dog arthritis, surgery, or
cancer.
Amitriptyline helps in the suppression of pain because it is
a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. This means the drug encourages
the production of serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for
creating a feeling of well-being. When an animal is not distressed, the animal
feels less pain.
When giving the drug to your dog, you must follow the
instructions given by your vet. Usually the dose will be about 0.5 to 2
milligrams per pound of the dog’s weight, once every eight or twelve hours. The
drug can be administered without food, but make sure that your dog has enough drinking
water.
The use of Amitriptyline should not be stopped abruptly.
Increasing the dose over time is not recommended since it can lead to the dog’s
body being highly dependent on the drug.
Overdose, Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Amitriptyline is generally a safe drug to use as side
effects such as drowsiness and fatigue are rarely life threatening; however, if
your dog experiences fainting or seizures, it is most likely that the dose
given was too high. If this occurs, take your dog to the nearest animal
hospital or clinic so that proper treatment can be given.
For drug interactions, Amitriptyline should never be given
or applied at the same time as the following drugs: (1) Selegiline, (2) Mitaban
Dip, (3) Preventic Collar, (4) antidepressants and (5)
antihistamines.
Please inform your vet of all the medications, supplements,
and vitamins your pet is taking.
Lastly, most vets would not recommend Amitriptyline for dogs
that have seizure disorders or have blood pressure problems.