Amityptiline

Question
QUESTION: My 12.5lb cat was given this drug for anxiety, what are the side effects? Also what if he got a little extra dose of 1.5 ml instead of 1ml, he seems fine.

ANSWER: I had my dog on Amitriptyline for a long time and she never experienced any side effects whatsoever. Cats are different and I wouldn't be playing with the doses without consulting with your vet first.

It is really easy to overdose a cat on drugs.
Generically speaking, possible side effects include:

Side Effects

   Excessive salivation
   Drowsiness
   Dry mouth (displayed by licking of lips)
   Urinary retention
   Constipation
   Marked change in appetite
   Weight gain
   Dishevelled fur
   Confusion and disorientation
   Abnormal heart rhythm
   Easily bruised skin
   Irritated skin due to the gel
   Low blood pressure
   Allergic reactions
   Facial puffiness
   Rapid onset of diarrhea
   Convulsions
   Discoloured gums
   Limbs feel cold
   Coma

Precautions

   Do not administer Amitriptyline if your cat is allergic to drugs that belong to the class of tricyclic antidepressants.
   Since there is a high chance of your cat developing a cardiac disturbance, an EKG should be done before starting this medication.
   If your cat has a liver impairment or is diabetic, avoid the use of Amitriptyline. If your cat is going to be on this drug for a long term, it's better to conduct periodic blood tests to ensure that her liver is healthy.
   Do not use this medication if your cat is pregnant or lactating.


Read more: The Side Effects of Amitriptyline in Cats - VetInfo
Here is a link to this page:

http://www.vetinfo.com/side-effects-amitriptyline-cats.html

Again, do not give him more than his prescribed dosage.


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QUESTION: The cat is fine but he has frisky eyes a lot, is that related or just normal. Also cats do not flip out and get aggressive while on this do they?

Answer
Excited eyes? I don't think the drug is doing that but his anxiety levels could cause that. It takes a good three weeks for this drug to really start working.

Again, his aggressiveness is more likely due to the anxiety he is experiencing. You should really look into his environment and eliminate to what ever extent that you can, what ever is making him so anxious.