Why this medication may be prescribed
May reduce acute fear and anxiety in predictable situations. Some preparations are also used as an addition to daily treatment.
How it works
It reduces release of noradrenaline, a messenger involved in the body’s stress response. It can also slow heart rate and lower blood pressure.
When should I expect an effect?
Effects are intended for the event or period covered by the prescription. Onset and duration depend on the preparation and the animal; follow your veterinarian’s specific timing rather than using a general redosing rule.
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; gastrointestinal upset; changes in sleep. Occasionally, increased agitation occurs.
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?
Do not abruptly change a regular schedule. Your veterinarian will advise whether a gradual reduction is needed.
Do not reduce or discontinue this medication without discussing it with your veterinarian.
Medication and supplement interactions
Medicines that lower blood pressure or cause sedation can intensify effects. Tell any veterinarian planning sedation or anaesthesia that this medicine has been given.
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?
- Alertness and ability to stand
- Fear and recovery after the event
- Any weakness or unusual sleepiness
- Time of onset and duration
Bring your observations to follow-up.
Educational information; effects vary between dogs, cats and individuals.