Why this medication may be prescribed
May be used in selected cases involving anxiety or other ongoing behavioural difficulties. Published veterinary evidence is limited.
How it works
It reduces recycling of serotonin and noradrenaline, two brain messengers. This changes signalling involved in emotion and arousal.
When should I expect an effect?
Behavioural benefit is expected to develop gradually, rather than from a single dose. A reliable medication-specific time to full benefit is not established for all dogs and cats; use 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
Reduced appetite; vomiting or diarrhea; lethargy.
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 discontinuation may be inappropriate, especially after regular use. The veterinarian will advise whether tapering is needed.
Do not reduce or discontinue this medication without discussing it with your veterinarian.
Medication and supplement interactions
Other serotonin-affecting medicines and selegiline require particular caution. Medicines affecting blood pressure also need review.
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
- Sleep and restlessness
- Behavioural changes
- Any weakness or unusual panting
Bring your observations to follow-up.
Educational information; effects vary between dogs, cats and individuals.