Sertraline

Sertraline In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Blocks serotonin reuptake in the brain, resulting in antidepressive activity and a raising in motor activity thresholds.

Uses of Sertraline

• Treatment of anxiety-related behaviours, including compulsive type behaviour such as acral lick in dogs.
• Used to increase inhibitory control in cats (e.g. play-related aggressive behaviour) has been suggested, but there are no good empirical studies paublished to support this.

Dose of Sertraline in Dogs and Cats

Side Effects of Sertraline in Dogs and Cats

• Possible reactions to the medication include lethargy, decreased appetite, and vomiting.
• Some cases may experience trembling, restlessness, GI disturbance, and a paradoxical increase in anxiety.
• Owners should be cautioned about the potential for an increase in aggression as a response to the medication.

Contraindications of Sertraline in Dogs and Cats

• Known sensitivity to sertraline or other SSRIs, history of seizures.

Some Notes:

• Fluoxetine, a specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is approved for use in dogs, but the veterinary formulation is not currently available.
• The non-specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor clomipramine is authorized and available for use in dogs.
• Generally, clomipramine and other specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors should be preferred over fluoxetine.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests that sertraline may have fewer appetite-suppressant effects compared to generic formulations of fluoxetine.
• Sertraline should not be used within 2 weeks of treatment with an MAOI (e.g., selegiline), and an MAOI should not be used within 6 weeks of treatment with sertraline.
• Sertraline, like other SSRIs, antagonizes the effects of anticonvulsants, making it not recommended for use with epileptic patients or in conjunction with other agents that lower seizure threshold, such as phenothiazines.
• Caution is advised if sertraline is used concomitantly with aspirin or other anticoagulants, as the risk of increased bleeding in the case of tissue trauma may be elevated.
• Generally, sertraline should not be used alongside other serotonergic agents due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• However, use alongside trazodone may be considered in exceptional cases, with careful monitoring for signs of serotonin syndrome.