Alprazolam: Dosage, Uses, and Side Effects

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Alprazolam for Dogs, Cats, and Horses: Dosage, Uses, and Side Effects Guide

Contents hide

1 Overview

2 Uses of Alprazolam

3 Alprazolam Dose For Dogs, Cats, and Horses

4 Drug Dosage Calculator

5 Common Side Effects of Alprazolam

6 Contraindications of Alprazolam

7 Some Notes:

Overview

Alprazolam increases the CNS’s GABA activity, which has a variety of cognitive effects, including the suppression of memory and a reduction in anxiety.

Uses of Alprazolam

Dogs:
- Treatment for anxiety, panic disorders, or phobias, including noise phobias (e.g., thunderstorms).
- Used as adjunct therapy along with SSRIs or clomipramine for phobic behaviors.
Cats:
- Treatment for urine spraying and anxiety-related behaviors.
- Short-term anxiolytic during transportation or stressful events.
- Used to address house soiling or marking.
Horses (extra-label use):
- Facilitates mare-foal bonding and manages behavioral issues in aggressive mares during nursing.

Alprazolam Dose For Dogs, Cats, and Horses

Alprazolam for Dogs, Cats, and Horses:

Species	Condition Treated with Afoxolaner	Dosage
Dogs:	Flea and tick control	2.5–6.9 mg/kg orally once per month
	Generalized demodicosis	2.5 mg/kg on days 0, 14, 28, and 56
	Sarcoptic mange	2.5 mg/kg on days 0 and 28
	Ear mites	2.5 mg/kg monthly for two months
Cats:	Ear mites and flea infestations	2.5 mg/kg as a single dose (extra-label)
Pigs:	Sarcoptic mange	2.5 mg/kg orally as a single dose (extra-label)
Birds (Peacocks, Pheasants):	Bird louse infestations	2.5 mg/kg orally as a single dose (extra-label)

Drug Dosage Calculator

You Should Give:

Common Side Effects of Alprazolam

Dogs:
- Drowsiness, ataxia, and increased appetite.
- Rarely, paradoxical excitement or aggression.
Cats:
- Increased appetite and transient ataxia.
- Potential for paradoxical behavior changes, such as agitation or vocalization.

Contraindications of Alprazolam

If there is a Known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines.
Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic disease.
Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.
Avoid in animals with glaucoma or anxiously aggressive behavior, as disinhibition may worsen aggression.

Some Notes:

Drug Interactions:
- Opioids: Increases the risk of respiratory depression.
- CNS depressants (e.g., barbiturates, propofol): Enhanced sedation effects.
- SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine): May potentiate sedation.
- Antifungals (e.g., itraconazole): May increase alprazolam concentrations, causing excessive sedation.
- Antihypertensives: Increased risk of hypotension.
Withdrawal and Dependence:
- Gradual tapering is essential to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Chronic use may lead to physical dependence.
Monitoring and Administration:
- Monitor for signs of paradoxical aggression or excitement.
- Administer 30–60 minutes before stressful events for optimal effect.
- If the animal experiences vomiting on an empty stomach, administer with food.