[CorkyMax]

What is Amitriptyline used for:
Pet Meds Amitriptyline - Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used for the treatment of behavioral problems. In dogs it is used for conditions such as separation anxiety, anxiety and fear of noise. In cats it used for conditions such as urinating out of the litter box, spraying, excessive grooming and anxiety.
How Amitriptyline should be used:
Amitriptyline is not FDA approved for veterinary use Amitriptyline is not FDA approved for veterinary use: however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats. The usual dose in dogs is 0.5-2mg/pound every 8-12 hours. The usual dose in cats is 5-10mg per cat once a day, at night.
What are the side effects of Amitriptyline:
Side effects of amitriptyline may include drowsiness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. There may be an increase in excitability.
What special precautions are there for Amitriptyline:
Do not use this medication in animals allergic to it or other tricyclic antidepressants. Use with caution in animals with liver disease, urinary retention, hyperthyroidism, seizure disorders or glaucoma. Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals. Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as selegiline or Preventic tick collar. If the animal is being given an MAOI, wait 2 weeks after discontinuing before starting treatment with amitriptyline. Do not use with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as barbiturates or tranquilizers. Do not use with phenylpropanolamine (PPA), methimazole or cimetidine. Always tell your veterinarian or pharmacist what other medications your pet is taking. Give this medication with food.
In the event of overdose:
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms of overdose may include heart arrhythmia, rapid heart beat (tachycardia), sedation, low blood pressure, convulsions coma or death.


I would say better to put up with the anxiety--esp. to do with thunder and loud noises and try to 'train' the dog out of their fear or use homeopathic methods! Hope most of us finally figure out that most medications for dogs are not worth the risk--(from the frying pan into the fire!!) And please don't say that sometimes you have to use some of these BAD medications---That may have to be in some instances BUT please check out all other alternatives first---You may end up saving your dog's life!! And do not believe your vet is GOD, because he is not and most medications cover up the real problem anyhow and the medication itself can cause diseases (diabetes for one/prednisone) and other problems--liver and kidney problems/Rimadyl, etc. Too much to go into but there are many reasons you should not trust your vet on all things--greed/ignorance (1 day of schooling on supplements!!) Pharmaceutically run schooling as well as having to follow the rules or they lose their practice--They are 'bought' PERIOD!! They know little about prevention--It is all medication and cover-up the basic problem. Sorry, I do get carried away--I feel sorry for dogs and what they have to go through because of greed and ignorance!!