Why this medication may be prescribed
May be prescribed for separation-related distress, fear, anxiety or compulsive behaviour. It may also be used for urine marking in cats.
How it works
It changes the handling of serotonin and noradrenaline, chemical messengers involved in emotion and arousal. Effects on other receptors can also cause sleepiness and changes in digestion or urination.
When should I expect an effect?
Behavioural benefit develops gradually over several weeks. Sleepiness may appear earlier and is not, by itself, evidence of reduced anxiety.
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
Sleepiness; dry mouth; constipation; gastrointestinal upset.
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?
A gradual reduction may be needed after regular treatment. Abrupt changes can cause problems or a return of signs.
Do not reduce or discontinue this medication without discussing it with your veterinarian.
Medication and supplement interactions
Other serotonin-affecting medicines and selegiline need particular review. Clonidine and medicines affecting heart rate, blood pressure or urination may also interact. Ask the clinic to review all combinations.
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?
- Appetite and bowel movements
- Ability to pass urine normally
- Alertness and coordination
- Target behaviour and recovery time
Bring your observations to follow-up.
Educational information; effects vary between dogs, cats and individuals.