Amitriptyline (Rx)

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Amitriptyline (Rx)

Why our vets recommend it

Amitriptyline can help manage anxiety and behavior disorders in dogs and cats in addition to other health issues, including lower urinary tract disease in cats.

 
 
 
 

Medication information

What is Amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant medication vets generally prescribe to manage anxiety disorders in dogs and cats. For dogs, this includes separation anxiety and fear of loud noises. For cats, it’s typically used to treat issues such as excessive grooming, peeing outside the litter box, and eating inappropriate and inedible things (pica), as well as for lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).

What does Amitriptyline treat?

Some conditions that Amitriptyline treats include:

  • Anxiety, including separation anxiety and fear of loud noises
  • Behavior issues, such as excessive grooming and peeing outside the litter box
  • Pica (eating inappropriate and inedible things) in cats
  • Lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats

How is Amitriptyline given?

Give Amitriptyline to pets orally, with or without food, according to the vet’s instructions.

Who is Amitriptyline for?

Dogs and cats

What are the active ingredients of Amitriptyline?

The active ingredient is amitriptyline.

What are the possible side effects of Amitriptyline?

The most common side effects in pets include drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, urine holding, vomiting, and diarrhea. Less common side effects in dogs include excitability, irregular heart rhythms, and in rare cases seizures. Additional side effects in cats may include increased drooling, loss of appetite, and unkempt hair coat. If you have any questions or concerns about side effects, please contact your vet.

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Safety Information

  • This medication requires careful monitoring due to the potential for serious side effects. Not suitable for pets already taking certain antidepressants, antihistamines, or specific pain medications.1

Warnings 

  • Overdoses can be life-threatening and require immediate emergency veterinary care. Amitriptyline may interact dangerously with other medications, including some anxiety medicine for dogs and cat anxiety medicine. It should be used as part of comprehensive dog and cat anxiety treatment... that includes behavioral modification. Amitriptyline must be gradually tapered when discontinuing.2

Human Warnings

  • Not for human use.


References

  1. Amitriptyline, www.woodward-vets.co.uk/images/downloads/medication-leaflets/Amitriptyline.pdf.
  2. "Amitriptyline Hydrochloride." PetMD, www.petmd.com/pet-medication/amitriptyline-hydrochloride.