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Brand Name
Elavil
Pronunciation
ELA-vil
A-ME-trip-ta-lean
Common Drug Name
Amitriptyline
What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline should be used in conjunction with techniques to try to change the unwanted behavior. Discuss, in detail, what behavior modification techniques will work on your pet. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected. You and your veterinarian should talk about any other treatment options that are recommended for your pet.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has had seizures, or has diabetes, liver disease, thyroid disease, heart disease, glaucoma, "dry eye", or adrenal tumors. Also tell your veterinarian if your pet may be pregnant, is nursing, or if you intend to breed your pet.
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, especially selegiline (Anipryl) or amitraz (Preventic tick collars or Mitaban), and if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.
What is the most important information I should know?
To be most effective, Amitriptyline needs to be used in combination with behavior modification techniques.
Consult your veterinarian before using other medications or tick collars along with Amitriptyline.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has a seizure while taking Amitriptyline.
Who should not take it?
Do not use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to tricyclic antidepressants. Use with extreme caution in animals with seizure disorders/epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, or heart disease. Do not use in pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young) unless the benefits outweigh the risks. This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.
What side effects may be seen when taking Amitriptyline?
Dogs: May see an increase in excitability or sedation; lack of appetite, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea; increased appetite and weight gain; increased water consumption, caused by dry mouth; abnormal heart rhythms, which may cause weakness or collapse; bone marrow suppression with anemia, causing weakness and pale gums; or low platelets, causing an increased tendency to bruise or bleed.
Cats: May see drooling, sedation, urinary retention, loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation; increased appetite and weight gain; increased water consumption, caused by dry mouth; unkempt hair coat; incoordination, disorientation; abnormal heart rhythms, which may cause weakness or collapse; or low platelets, causing an increased tendency to bruise or bleed.
How is it stored?
Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately. An overdose can be life-threatening.
What should I avoid when giving my pet Amitriptyline?
Consult your veterinarian before using Amitriptyline with vitamins, supplements, ephedrine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as selegiline (deprenyl, Anipryl) or amitraz (an ingredient in some tick collars, and in Mitaban, a treatment for mange), anticholinergic medications (atropine), central nervous system (CNS) depressants, or sympathomimetic agents like phenylpropanolamine (Proin, Cystolamine), methimazole, or other antithyroid drugs, or cimetidine, since interactions may occur.
Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the on this medication.
Patient Information Sheet on this medication.
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