Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Amitriptyline has an anti-depressive activity by blocking noradrenaline and serotonin reuptake in the brain.
• Also stabilizes mast cells so can reduce the impact on inflammatory irritation.

Uses of Amitriptyline

• Management of chronic anxiety problems, including compulsive disorders and separation anxiety in dogs.

• Management of psychogenic alopecia, hypervocalization and idiopathic cystitis in cats.

Dose of Amitriptyline in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

1–2 mg/kg p.o. q12–24h.

Cats:

0.5–1 mg/kg p.o. q24h.

Side Effects of Amitriptyline in Dogs and Cats

• Sedation, dry mouth, vomiting, excitability, arrhythmia, hypo-tension, syncope, increased appetite, weight gain.
• The bitter taste can cause ptyalism in cats.

Contraindications of Amitriptyline in Dogs and Cats

• Hypersensitivity to tricyclic antidepressants.
• Glaucoma.
• History of seizures or urinary retention.
• Severe liver disease.

Some Notes:

• Should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 2D6, e.g. chlorphenamine, cimetidine.
• Should not be used alongside serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g clompramine, fluoxetine) and caution is warrented if using alongside tramadol, due to risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Concomitant use with diazepam may increase blood levels of amitriptyline