Memantine

Why this medication may be prescribed

May be used for selected compulsive behaviours such as persistent tail or shadow chasing in dogs, sometimes alongside another medication.

How it works

It blocks NMDA receptors, reducing signalling by the stimulating brain messenger glutamate.

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

Poor coordination; vomiting; increased urination.

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?

Whether tapering is needed depends on the schedule, duration and reason for treatment. Ask the clinic before stopping.

Do not reduce or discontinue this medication without discussing it with your veterinarian.

Medication and supplement interactions

Medicines with anticholinergic effects, including clomipramine, may increase combined side effects. All other centrally acting medicines 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?

• Frequency and duration of repetitive episodes
• Coordination
• Vomiting
• Urination

Bring your observations to follow-up.