Antidepressant trazodone is available. Only a prescription from your doctor is required to purchase this medication.
What affects dogs does trazodone have?
Effective post-surgical management is essential for the best possible outcome after elective orthopedic procedures in dogs, such as stifle stabilization following cranial cruciate ligament injury. A typical care plan calls for seclusion and restricted activity for 612 weeks following surgery. Implementing post-surgical instructions is frequently difficult for clients since patients may be young1, active, healthy, and unaccustomed to confinement. Activity restrictions that are not followed may result in a lengthy recovery process or possibly surgical treatment failure, necessitating a subsequent surgical surgery. 2
Acepromazine maleate, a phenothiazine sedative, has historically been used to facilitate confinement; nevertheless, this medication may cause excessive sedation3 and raise the risk of falling. Additionally, acepromazine may have a variety of physiological consequences, including paradoxical excitement. 4 A well-tolerated oral medication is required to enable confinement following orthopedic surgery without causing unfavorable side effects.
Trazodone hydrochloride, an atypical antidepressant, has a long history of effective treatment in humans for anxiety, depression, and to improve sleep, especially when used with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
5 Trazodone has complicated activity on serotonergic systems and is categorized as a serotonin (5-HT) antagonist/reuptake inhibitor. Trazodone operates to antagonize postsynaptic 5HT2A as well as histaminic and alpha1 adrenergic receptors in humans at low to moderate dosages, which may explain its moderate hypnotic effects. 6 Trazodone also functions as an antagonist at postsynaptic 5HT2C receptors when doses are higher. 6 M-chlorophenenylpiperazine, its active metabolite, is a strong direct 5-HT agonist. Trazodone has low anticholinergic adverse effects since it has little impact on muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Trazodone has a broad safe dose range in the mammals examined. In mice, rats, and rabbits, the median lethal dosage (LD50) of trazodone is 610 mg/kg (277 mg/lb), 486 mg/kg (221 mg/lb), and 560 mg/kg (255 mg/lb), respectively. 7 The LD50 in dogs has not been established as of yet.
Trazadone is often well tolerated in people when taken orally at doses between 150 and 600 mg per day8, both on its own and in conjunction with other medications (excepting monoamine oxidase inhibitors for which concurrent use is contraindicated). For individuals using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, trazodone is frequently recommended as a sleep aid. If any, trazodone has very little or no impact on seizure threshold. 9 Trazodone is frequently prescribed in its generic version. With almost 18 million prescriptions written for its usage by doctors in the United States, trazodone HCl was rated 29th among the top 200 prescription medications for 2010–10 based on the frequency of prescriptions. The fact that trazodone has a long history of safe usage in humans, both alone and in combination with other drugs, suggests that it might be an effective therapeutic drug for dogs.
Trazodone has been used alone or in conjunction with other behavioral drugs to treat anxiety disorders in dogs.
1112 The medication improved patient welfare while having few negative effects by enhancing behavioral tranquility and reducing anxiety. In a recent single dose pharmacokinetic trial, trazodone was administered orally to six dogs and generated just mild drowsiness with no discernible negative side effects. 13 In contrast to equally effective doses of imipramine, trazodone has been demonstrated to have very little impact on heart function in dogs under anesthesia. 14 These features make trazodone the perfect drug to help post-surgical dogs who are experiencing anxiety, agitation, and misery from confinement.
The value of this method was suggested by a pilot study. Following orthopedic surgery, trazodone was recommended for 17 canine patients at the Veterinary Health Complex (VHC) of the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSU-CVM) at dosages ranging from 3.57 mg/kg (1.63.2 mg/lb) every 12 hours. 15 It was possible to increase the dose to 810 mg/kg (3.64.5 mg/lb) per 12 hours. Clients were questioned about their dog’s behavior before the surgery and as they recovered from the procedure using an online survey tool. Following surgery, all dogs took the medicine for a minimum of 4 weeks. No client reported any negative affects, and no pets were taken off the medicine as a result of any issues. Two clients (11.8%) believed that the drug was helpful following an increase in the first dosage, but fifteen clients (88.2%) thought it was helpful for their dog overall. Based on these findings, the current investigation was designed to more thoroughly assess trazodone’s effectiveness in facilitating post-surgical confinement as well as to assess its safety in a larger clinical trial.
Our hypothesis was that the use of trazodone would facilitate confinement and enhance behavioral serenity following orthopedic surgery, and that trazodone would be safe and effective for this goal based on clients’ assessments of their dogs’ behavior. Quantifying clients’ perceptions of the beginning and duration of trazodone’s impact in this situation was another goal.
What is the drug’s generic name?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved trazodone, the drug’s generic name, in 1981 for use in the treatment of major depressive disorder under the trade name Desyrel.
Is it possible to purchase drugs online?
The range of goods you can buy online has no boundaries. Even prescription medications are available to buy online. Because the medication is delivered to your home, ordering your prescription online does offer a certain level of convenience. This ease, though, might not be without a price.
The bulk of fake medications, at least in the US, are reportedly bought online. Fake or counterfeit pharmaceuticals can be harmful because they may include the incorrect chemicals, no active ingredient, no medication at all, too much medication, or not enough. They may also include poisonous substances like paint, poison, and arsenic.
Because of this, it’s crucial to understand how to safeguard oneself when buying medication online.
- Buy medications online only from reliable retailers. Making sure the online pharmacy you purchase from is accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacies is the greatest way to prevent receiving fake medications (NABP). The designation of these establishments as Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS). That indicates that the website complies with both the NABP criteria and the conditions of its state license.
- Think about the cost of the drug. If the cost of the medication is significantly less than what you would typically pay at other pharmacies, this may be a sign that the drug is perhaps a fake.
- Be a knowledgeable shopper. Inquire with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about the intended use, appearance, and potential side effects of your medication. The manufacturer of the medication is another resource for this data. It’s vital to talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any adverse effects if the medication is not functioning as your healthcare professionals expected. Additionally, it’s critical to note any modifications to the drug’s texture, flavor, packaging, or appearance.
Being knowledgeable and picky about where you get your prescriptions is the greatest method to prevent buying fake medication. Additionally, you can get in touch with the FDA’s Division of Drug Information at [email protected] or 888-463-6332 if you believe you’ve bought a fake medication.
Is a prescription required to get trazodone for dogs?
Trazodone is used to treat anxiety and/or behavioral issues in canines and felines. Cats can also utilize it, usually for anxiety associated to travel. Trazodone comes in tablets of 50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg and needs to be purchased with a prescription.
Can I administer Trazodone to my dog?
Even though trazodone has typically been proved to be advantageous and relatively safe for dogs, it is still vital to be aware of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome because treating it can be a serious and even fatal condition. Trazodone overdose is typically treated with symptomatic and supportive care. Since 1981, trazodone, a serotonin 2A antagonist and reuptake inhibitor, has been prescribed in human medicine as a treatment for anxiety, aggressiveness, depression, and insomnia. 13 It is offered in 150- and 300-mg extended-release pills in addition to 50-, 100-, 150-, and 300-mg tablets. 1 There are no items with a veterinary usage label.
Trazodone specifically inhibits serotonin reuptake, enhancing the effects of serotonin.
4 At low to high doses, it is an antagonist of 5-HT2A, H1-histaminic, and 1-adrenergic receptors, causing varying degrees of sedation. 36 It might cause hypotension. 4 Trazodone functions as a serotonin agonist at larger doses, and serotonin syndrome can result. 4,6 The precise mechanism of action for trazodone’s anxiolytic effects is uncertain. 4
Note from the editor: This story was first released in May 2017. Please only use this content for informational or instructional purposes; it has not undergone active review since release. See our issue archive for the most recent peer-reviewed content.
Do canine Trazodone and human Trazodone differ from one another?
Trazodone was initially created to assist in treating human depression and anxiety. Soon after the FDA gave it its initial approval in 1981, it caught the interest of veterinarians, who in 2008 started testing the drug on dogs. Fortunately, it performed admirably for the majority of the studied canines.
Trazodone must be obtained from your veterinarian because it can only be obtained with a prescription. In what is known as “extra-label” or “off-label use,” veterinarians can lawfully prescribe medication for your pet even though it is not FDA-approved for use in dogs and cats.
Both generic and name-brand versions of trazodone, also known as trazodone HCl and sold under the brand names Oleptro and Desyrel, are readily available. Trazodone is not yet available in veterinary formulations, thus animals must take human-only versions instead.
Trazodone belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin 2a antagonist/reuptake inhibitors (SARI), which basically means that it aids in increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Increasing serotonin levels aids in improving the effectiveness of brain communication. This frequently assists in easing the signs and symptoms of anxiety and despair for unclear reasons.
How long does it take trazodone for dogs to start working?
Serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor (SARI) antidepressant trazodone (brand names Desyrel, Oleptro) is used to treat behavioral disorders, particularly those associated with anxiety or phobias in dogs (e.g., separation anxiety, noise phobia such as fireworks or thunderstorms, veterinary visits, hospitalization, and travel). It is widely used as an additional therapy for animals that don’t react to standard treatments.
It is used “off label” or “extra-label” to treat behavioral issues in cats and dogs. In veterinary medicine, many medications are frequently used for off-label uses. In these situations, carefully adhere to your veterinarian’s instructions and warnings as they may change dramatically from those on the label.
How is trazodone given?
Trazodone is administered orally (by mouth) as a tablet. It can be administered either with food or without. Try administering the next dose with food or a small treat if your pet vomits or displays other symptoms of sickness after getting the medication on an empty stomach.
When taken for short-term stress reduction, this medication will start working within 1 to 2 hours, but when used for long-term treatment, it may take a few weeks before the full effects are seen.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication or my shipment is late?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you recall, but if it is almost time for the next dose, omit the missed dose and take the following one as scheduled. Then, resume your usual dosing schedule. Never administer additional dosages or two doses at once to your pet.
Are there any potential side effects?
Trazodone has a brief duration of action. Although not thoroughly studied, side effects are often minor in dogs. Dilated pupils, drowsiness, lethargy, vomiting or gagging, colitis (colon inflammation), ataxia (lack of muscle control), priapism (constant, painful erection of the penis), arrhythmias, increased anxiety, increased appetite, and hostility are a few examples of possible adverse effects.
Serotonin syndrome may occur when trazodone is used with other serotonergic medications. This includes symptoms like lack of control over movements, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperthermia (raised body temperature), sensitivity to light, depression, dilated pupils, vocalization, blindness, excessive salivation, breathing problems, coma, and death.
The effects of this quick-acting medicine should wear off after 24 hours, though they may last longer in animals with liver or renal illness.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
In animals that are sensitive to it or in people taking MAO inhibitors, trazodone is not advised. In dogs and cats with serious heart disease, liver, or kidney illness, this drug should be used with caution. This drug should not be given to animals who have angle-closure glaucoma. Your veterinarian will carefully weigh the dangers of using this medication in pregnant pets versus the benefits because animal studies have demonstrated a harmful effect on the developing baby at very high doses.
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Antihypertensive medications, aspirin, azole antifungals, cisapride, CNS depressants, digoxin, diuretics, fluoroquinolones, macrolide antibiotics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, metoclopramide, NSAIDs, ondansetron, phenothiazines, SSRI antidepressants, and tramadol should all be administered with caution when combined with
Tell your vet about any medications your pet is receiving, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal treatments.
Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication?
While your pet is receiving this medication, no special monitoring is necessary. To ensure that the drug is having the desired effect, your veterinarian may check on your pet.
What should I do in case of emergency?
Call your veterinarian’s clinic if you see any symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Call your veterinarian’s office right away if you think your pet may have taken too much medication or is having an unfavorable reaction to it. Follow their instructions for contacting an emergency facility if they are not readily available.
How frequently should a dog receive trazodone?
Trazodone is mostly used to reduce anxiety in temporary situations, as needed, or for generalized anxiety, when used daily. Additionally, it is employed to make patients at ease during veterinary consultations and while restricted following orthopedic surgery.
It can be administered to animals that are frightened of thunder or pyrotechnics. With behavior modification training, trazodone is also prescribed for behavior disorders caused by separation anxiety. At your veterinarian’s discretion, trazodone may be coupled with other drugs to assist treat anxiety-based behaviors.
Giving Trazodone before the trigger occurs will ensure that your dog is relaxed when it starts to work. For instance, if your dog is sensitive to noise and it’s 5 o’clock on July 4th, it would be wise to begin giving him Trazodone before the fireworks begin rather than waiting until the first boom.
Another scenario is before a trip to the vet. If your dog is typically frightened there, taking a dose of Trazodone before you leave can allow the medication to start working in time for the ride.
It does differ from dog to dog in terms of when it starts and how long it lasts, so it will be instructive to do a practice test a day or two before a potentially frightening event to ensure that the timing is ideal. Trazodone is administered as needed, based on the dog’s weight and response, and every eight hours.
