Why this medication may be prescribed
May be used in selected cases involving nerve pain, seizures or impulsivity. Veterinary behavioural evidence is limited.
How it works
It blocks sodium channels in nerves, helping stabilize excessive electrical activity.
When should I expect an effect?
The time to behavioural benefit varies between dogs, cats and individuals. Effects on the body may appear before meaningful behavioural change. Follow the review interval in your treatment plan.
What improvement might look like
Depending on the treatment goal, improvement may mean less intense reactions, faster recovery, less avoidance, better rest or greater ability to respond to familiar cues. Complete disappearance of behaviour is not required to see progress.
Medication can reduce fear, anxiety, arousal, impulsivity, or other factors that interfere with learning. Behaviour modification and environmental management remain important parts of treatment.
Common side effects
Liver injury and reduced blood-cell production are important risks requiring veterinary blood tests.
Mild effects may be temporary. Persistent or pronounced changes should be discussed with the clinic; do not assume they are harmless.
When should I contact the clinic?
Contact the clinic for persistent vomiting or diarrhea, marked appetite loss, pronounced sedation, stumbling, weakness, unexpected worsening or significant new behaviour. Report difficulty passing urine promptly; inability to pass urine needs urgent veterinary assessment.
When is it an emergency?
What if I miss a dose?
Follow any missed-dose instructions supplied with your prescription. If none were provided, contact the clinic or your veterinarian for advice about the next dose. Do not double, repeat or make up a dose on your own.
What if I administered an extra dose?
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately for case-specific advice, even if no signs are visible. Have the packaging and the amount and time given available for the veterinarian. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed. This website cannot determine a safe extra amount.
Can I stop this medication suddenly?
Abrupt stopping may be inappropriate, particularly if seizures are part of the treatment reason. Any withdrawal must follow veterinary instructions.
Do not reduce or discontinue this medication without discussing it with your veterinarian.
Medication and supplement interactions
It affects drug metabolism and can interact with many medicines. Ask the veterinarian to review every prescription and supplement.
Inform the clinic before adding a prescription, over-the-counter medicine, supplement, herbal product or calming product. This is not a complete interaction list.
What should I monitor?
- Pain or episodes targeted by treatment
- Appetite and energy
- Any unusual bruising or illness
- Attendance at prescribed blood-test appointments
Bring your observations to follow-up.
Educational information; effects vary between dogs, cats and individuals.