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Sertraline for Dogs & Cats: Anxiety, Aggression, Compulsive Behaviors
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat behavior-related issues in dogs and cats.
Summary
Used For:
Behavior-related issues such as aggression, anxiety and compulsive behaviors
Brands:
Zoloft, Altruline, Anilar, Aremis, Atenix, Besitra, Bicromil, Gladem, Insertec, Irradial, Lustral
Species:
Dogs and Cats
Other names:
Sertraline Hcl, CP-51974-01, Novativ, Sealdin, Serad, Sercerin, Serlain, Serta, Tatig, Tolres
Drug type:
Antidepressant
Prescription required:
Yes
Pregnancy and lactation:
May not be safe in pregnancy, unknown if sertraline enters milk
Side effects:
decreased or absent appetite, lethargy, gastrointestinal effects (vomiting, diarrhea), anxiety
General description
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used in veterinary medicine to treat aggression, anxiety and compulsive related behaviors.
Uses
Anxiety, aggression, and compulsive behaviors
How it works
Sertraline is a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which increases the effect of the serotonin in the central nervous system. Sertraline is also a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which increases dopamine’s effects.
Dosage
*Dogs: 1-4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth once daily or divided twice daily.
*Cats: 0.5-1.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth once daily.
It may take 4-8 weeks of consistent administration before efficacy can be determined.
The medication dosages listed represent the variation in dosing for all underlying medical conditions.
Medications should only be administered to pets under the direct guidance of a veterinarian.
Forms
Sertraline is available in 25, 50 and 100 milligram tablets for oral use. It is also available in an oral solution in a concentration of 20 milligrams per milliliter.
Storage information & handling
Sertraline should be stored at room temperature.
What results can I expect?
Sertraline may take several days to weeks to have an effect upon a pet and the behavioral condition for which it was prescribed.
Missed Dosage
If a dose is missed, continue with the next dosage at the scheduled time.
Overdose / acute toxicity
Seek veterinary care if overdose suspected. Clinical signs associated with overdose and/or serotonin syndrome include including CNS depression or stimulation, vomiting, hypersalivation, mydriasis (dilated pupils), agitation, hyperactivity, hyperthermia, and tremors.
Side effects
May include:
- Decreased appetite, though less commonly than with fluoxetine
- Lethargy
- Increased activity
- Changes in elimination patterns (urine retention or constipation, especially in cats)
- Gastrointestinal effects (vomiting, diarrhea), less common
Contraindications
Do not use in:
- Pets with a hypersensitivity to any SSRI
- Patients receiving a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
Drug interactions
Sertraline may interact with:
- Amiodiorine, ciprofloxacin, cisapride, erythromycin, ondansetron, quinidine): Increased risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmias
- Cyproheptadine (may reverse sertraline’s effects)
- Increased bleeding may occur with coadministration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; i.e. carprofen, deracoxib, meloxicam, etc.), anticoagulants / anti-platelet agents (eg, apririn, clopidogrel, warfarin).
- Concurrent administration of other SSRI, MAOI (eg, selegiline, amitraza), TCA (eg, amitriptyline, clomipramine), buspirone, metoclopramide, mirtazapine, tramadol, trazodone, St. John’s wort, and/or certain opioids may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Precaution
Caution should be used in geriatric patients and patients with severe liver disease.
Labratory considerations
There are no known significant laboratory considerations in veterinary medicine.
Sources
Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook
Disclaimer
The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.