- Trazodone for dogs and cats
- Mechanisms of action of trazodone in dogs and cats - explained in detail
- Indications for trazodone in dogs & cats
- Pharmacology & Clinical Use of Trazodone
- Side effects & withdrawal effects
- Prevention measures for trazodone
- Possible alternatives to trazodone
- FAQs on the subject of trazodone for dogs and cats:
- Summary: Trazodone for dogs and cats
- Further sources:
Trazodone for dogs and cats
Trazodone can bring about sedation and fear solution in dogs and cats reliably and safely, which means that it is not only useful for behavioral problems.
Mechanisms of action of trazodone in dogs and cats - explained in detail
Trazodon is a so-called serotonin antagonist and recording inhibitor (Sari), which is used in veterinary medicine primarily because of its fear-resolution and calming effect. But how exactly does the drug work?
Effect on serotonin
Trazodone mainly influences the neurotransmitter serotonin - a messenger fabric that is responsible in the brain for the regulation of mood, bumps and well -being. Serotonin is normally resumed (reabsorbed) after its distribution in the nerve cells and is therefore only available for a short time. Trazodone targeted this resumption, which means that more serotonin remains between the nerve cells in the synaptic gap. This increases the availability of serotonin in the brain and ensures a stabilizing, anxiety -resolution and mood -improving effect.
Effect on receptors in the brain
In addition to the resumption inhibition, trazodone also blocks specific serotonin receptors (especially 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors). This blockade reduces the release of glutamate, an exciting neurotransmitter. At the same time, the distribution of dopamine and noradrenaline is encouraged in the prefrontal cortex, which contributes to the fear -relieving effect.
Additional calming effects
In addition, trazodone has a influence of histamine and α1 adrenergic receptors. This blockade leads to a mild to clear sedation, depending on the dose, which is particularly helpful in acute stress and fear.
Indications for trazodone in dogs & cats
Trazodone is used clinically in both dogs and cats, although it has been researched more extensively in dogs. It is suitable for:
- Situation -related fear:
- Separation anxiety
- Noise (e.g. fireworks, thunderstorms)
- Vet visits
- Inpatient stays
- Travel
- Postoperative resting phases
- As supportive therapy together with other psychopharmacological ingredients for the treatment of fear -related behavioral problems (e.g. fear of people or other animals).
Pharmacology & Clinical Use of Trazodone
Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant that treats anxiety and depression by acting as a serotonin antagonist and re-admission inhibitor (SARI).
It is often prescribed in addition to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAS). Trazodone globally increases serotonin level by blocking the presynaptic resumption.
In order to achieve this resumption inhibition, higher doses are usually required. In addition, trazodone post-synaptic serotonin receptors (5-HT2A, 5-HT2C), which reduces glutamate release and stimulates dopamine and noradrenaline release in the prefrontal cortex. The antagonization of histamine 1 and α1 adrenergic receptors also causes a calming effect.
Recommended initial dose in dogs
The recommended initial dose in dogs is 3–7 mg/kg oral, once or twice a day. In the event of situational fear, the same dose can be administered 1–2 hours before the event and, if necessary, increased.
When the gift is given for the first time, a test dose in a quiet surroundings should take place at home to observe the following:
- Time until the occurrence of activity
- Duration of effect
- Side effects
The effect usually occurs within 2 hours of oral gift, which makes it ideal for short -term anxiety. Examples are visits to vet, travel or noise phobias. It is also suitable for anxious, inpatient patients if there are no contraindications.
Trazodone should be administered in a preventive extent 1-2 hours before anxiety -dissolving events. Food in the gastrointestinal tract can delay the recording. The duration of action varies; In the case of postoperative calming, it is at least 4 hours in the median.
Recommended initial dose in cats
For adult cats, the recommended initial dose is 25 mg per cat, the dose can be individually adapted. Studies showed good tolerance and sedation for doses of 50, 75 and 100 mg per cat. The maximum sedation takes place about 2–2.5 hours after ingestion. Trazodone can be used as an alternative to benzodiazepines, especially if these side effects cause.
Side effects & withdrawal effects
Side effects of orally administered trazodone are usually mild and well tolerated in dogs and cats. This includes:
- Sedation
- Ataxia (movement disorders)
- Gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Changed appetite
- Unrest or excitement
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Inhibition of behavior
Intravenous administration was only examined in dogs and is not recommended because it can trigger aggressive behavior in some animals. An injectable form is not available commercially.
Tolerance, withdrawal symptoms and dependency are not reliably occupied. Nevertheless, it is recommended to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.
Prevention measures for trazodone
Due to the possible risk of serotonin syndrome, caution is advised when trazodone is combined with other serotonians active ingredients or monoaminoxidase inhibitors (MAOIS). Symptoms of a serotonin syndrome include:
- Cardiovascular problems (rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, rhythm disorders)
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased body temperature
- Neurological abnormalities (disorientation, excitability, tremor, cramps)
- Gastrointestinal problems
Serotonin syndrome can be fatal and requires immediate veterinary care.
Patient owners should be informed about risks and signs of serotonin syndrome. veterinarian immediately and do not give any other serotonians medication.
Important: In the case of recipes and submission instructions, "in the event of anxiety" should be given explicitly in order to avoid confusion with the painkillers tramadol. The use of clear script (so-called Tall-Man-Ferting, e.g. Trazodon vs. Tramadol) is recommended to minimize errors.
Possible alternatives to trazodone
Trazodone is well tolerated and effective, but not always the best choice for every animal. Here are some common alternatives:
1. Benzodiazepines (e.g. Diazepam, Alprazolam)
Benzodiazepines have a very quick and sedative effect by reinforcing the activity of the soothing neurotransmitter Gaba. They are well suited for acute anxiety, but they can cause side effects such as strong sedation, muscle weakness or in rare cases paradoxical reactions (unrest, excitement). In addition, there is a risk of dependency with long -term use.
2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS, e.g. Fluoxetin, Sertralin)
SSRIS inhibit, like trazodone, the resumption of serotonin. However, they work in the long term and have to be given regularly over several weeks in order to develop their full effect. These drugs are ideal for chronic behavioral problems such as the fear of separation or general anxiety disorders, but are less suitable for helping in the short term with acute stress.
3. Tracyclic antidepressants (TCAS, e.g. Clomipramin, Amitriptylin)
Tricyclic antidepressants influence several neurotransmitters at the same time, including serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. They have an anxiety -resolution and mood -enhancing, but like SSRIS, they need several weeks until full activity. TCAs can cause stronger side effects, such as drying the mouth, weight gain and occasionally cardiac arrhythmias, which is why it must be carefully dosed and monitored.
4. Natural alternatives (e.g. pheromones, dietary supplements)
Natural remedies such as synthetic pheromones (e.g. adaptil® for dogs or feliway® for cats) or vegetable preparations with L-theanine, valerian or cylkène can be helpful for light anxiety. However, their effectiveness is usually more milder and individually different.
FAQs on the subject of trazodone for dogs and cats:
What exactly is trazodone and how does it work in pets?
Trazodon is an atypical antidepressant that was originally developed for humans and is now successfully used in veterinary medicine. In dogs and cats, Trazodone has a particularly fear -resolving and calming effect by inhibiting the resumption of the neurotransmitter serotonin. As a result, more serotonin remains available, which leads to an improved mood and reduced feelings of fear. In addition, trazodone blocks certain serotonin receptors, which regulates the release of other important neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline. This complex mode of action makes trazodone effective support in the fear and stress states of pets.
Which situations are particularly suitable for the administration of trazodone in dogs and cats?
Trazodone is ideal for stressful or anxious situations. Typical examples are vet visits, New Year's Eve or thunderstorms (noise), car rides or air trips, stays in an veterinary clinic and postoperative rest. It is also often used in the event of afraid of separation or generally anxious behavior towards people or other animals. The targeted gift helps to prevent acute anxiety reactions and to improve the animal's emotional stability and well -being in the long term.
How fast does trazodone work and how long does the effect last?
Trazodone usually works within 1 to 2 hours after oral administration. The exact duration of action varies individually, but is usually between 4 and 8 hours. In certain cases - such as after calming operations - the average duration of action is about 4 hours. Because the drug looks relatively quickly, it is very suitable to treat situational fears effectively at short notice. In order for the drug to be reliable, it should ideally be administered in time (approx. 1-2 hours in advance).
What side effects can occur and how do I deal with it?
The side effects of trazodone are mostly mild and temporary in dogs and cats. Frequent side effects are fatigue, slight coordination disorders (ataxia), vomiting or diarrhea, appetite changes and occasional restlessness. In rare cases, animals can react paradoxical to the drug and show themselves excited or restlessly. If these side effects occur, the dose should be adapted or reduced after consultation with the vet. With persistent or stronger symptoms, veterinary clarification is important to discuss alternatives.
What do I have to consider if my animal also receives other medication?
An important precaution is the possible interaction of trazodone with other drugs, especially with serotonians drugs (e.g. antidepressants such as SSRIS or tricyclic antidepressants) and monoaminoxidase inhibitors (MAOIS). These combinations can trigger a so-called serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening reaction that can include symptoms such as strong heartbeat, increased body temperature, neurological problems (such as tremors or disorientation) and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. It is therefore crucial to inform the treating veterinarian to minimize the risk of such interactions. If your animal shows symptoms of serotonin syndrome, immediate veterinary treatment is required.
Which remedy is right for my animal?
The selection of the right drug or an alternative to trazodone depends heavily on your animal, the individual situation and the severity of the problem. Therefore, you should always make the decision together with your veterinarian or a specialized behavioral doctor. It can make sense to combine different options - such as a medication such as trazodone for acute situations with long -term measures such as behavioral training, environmental adjustments or natural supplements.
If you have any further questions or need support in the decision, please do not hesitate to see this directly on the next vet visit.
Summary: Trazodone for dogs and cats
The drug trazodone for dogs and cats is becoming increasingly important in modern veterinary medicine, especially for the treatment of fears and stress. Originally from human medicine, trazodone is often used for dogs and cats because it offers a safe, well -tolerated and effective method to calm pets.
The most important areas of application for trazodone for dogs and cats are in particular acute anxiety situations. trazodone for dogs and cats helps with noise phobias, for example with New Year's fireworks or thunderstorms. Even in the event of afraid of separation, trazodone does a good job for dogs and cats , as it reduces feelings of fear and helps the animals to stay calmer. Visits to veterinarian or inpatient stays in an veterinary clinic become less stressful due to the use of trazodone for dogs and cats .
But how exactly does trazodone actually work for dogs and cats ? The effect of trazodone for dogs and cats is based on the inhibition of the serotonin reuptake in the brain. Serotonin is a messenger that ensures a good mood, emotional balance and calm behavior. By inhibiting the resumption, trazodone ensures dogs and cats that this important neurotransmitter remains available longer. trazodone for dogs and cats blocks certain serotonin receptors, which in turn promotes the release of other soothing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline.
In addition to these calming and anxious traits, Trazodone also creates a mild to pronounced sedation for dogs and cats , depending on the dosage. This effect makes trazodone for dogs and cats particularly suitable for short -term calming and relaxation in stressful situations. The administration of trazodone for dogs and cats should ideally take place one to two hours before the expected event in order to achieve the optimal effect.
The recommended dosage of trazodone for dogs and cats is between 3 and 7 mg per kg body weight in dogs, while for cats an initial dose of around 25 mg is recommended. Depending on the individual reaction and tolerance, the dosage of trazodone for dogs and cats be adjusted. However, it is important that animal owners initially test in a quiet environment how their animal reacts to trazodone for dogs and cats .
Of course, as with any medication, side effects can also occur when using trazodone for dogs and cats . Typical side effects of trazodone for dogs and cats are sedation, slight gait uncertainty, gastrointestinal complaints and occasionally increased or reduced appetite. Scrasuous reactions to trazodone for dogs and cats are extremely rare, but with unusual reactions you should answer the veterinarian immediately.
An important precaution in the administration of trazodone for dogs and cats is the possible interaction with other medication. In particular, the combination of trazodone for dogs and cats with other serotonergic medication could trigger dangerous serotonin syndrome. Therefore, the administration of trazodone for dogs and cats always be discussed with the treating veterinarian, especially if the animal already receives other medication.
In order to avoid confusion in administration, recipes and information for trazodone for dogs and cats be clearly and clearly marked, since it is often confused with the painkillers Tramadol. Animal owners should therefore pay particular attention to the clear labeling, for example by the spelling "Trazodon".
In summary, trazodone offers dogs and cats a reliable and safe way to calm and treat fears in pets. With its quick effect, good tolerance and flexible possible uses, Trazodon for dogs and cats represents a valuable addition to everyday veterinary life. The targeted application and careful monitoring by the veterinarian ensure optimal therapy with trazodone for dogs and cats .
Further sources:
- Gruen Me, Sherman Bl. Use of trazodone as an adjunctive agent in the Treatment of Canine Anxiety Disorders: 56 cases. Javma . 2008; 233 (12): 1902-1907.
- Orlando JM, Case BC, Thomson Ae, Griffith E, Sherman Bl. Use of Oral Trazodone for Sedation in Cats: A Pilot Study. J Feline Med Surg . 2015; 18 (6): 476-482.
- Gruen Me, Roe SC, Griffith E, Hamilton A, Sherman Bl. Use of Trazodone to Facilitate Postsurgical Confinement in Dogs. Javma . 2014; 245 (3): 296-301.
- Steel SM. Mechanism of Action of Trazodone: A Multifunctional Drug. CNS Spectr . 2009; 14 (10): 536-546.
- Perrin C, Councilor K, Landsberg GM. Appendix: Drug Dosage Chart. Vet Clin North am Small Anim Pract . 2014; 44 (3): 629-632.
- Jay Ar, Krotscheck U, Parsley e, et al. Pharmacokinetics, Bioavailability, and Hemodynamic Effects of Trazodone After Intravenous and Oral Administration of a Single Dose to Dogs. Ajvr . 2013; 74 (11): 1450-1456.
- Sueda KLC, Cho J. Unpublished Observations and Clinical Data, to Vca West Los Angeles Animal Hospital; Accumulated Clinical Evidence As of March 2016.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Name Differentiation Project; FDA-APPROVED ESTABLISHED DRUG NAMES WITH Recommended Tall Man Letters; http://www.fda.gov/drugsafety/medicationerrors/ucm164587.htm . Accessed June 2016.