Fluoxetine (Generic) for Dogs & Cats - 10-mg, 1 tablet - [Behavioral Support]

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is prescribed to treat a variety of behavioral problems caused by separation anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It works by increasing the effectiveness of serotonin in the brain, which aids in the management of anxiety and depression. Customers may receive this uncoated tablet under the names Reconcile, Prozac.

Uses

Fluoxetine tablets are indicated for the treatment of separation anxiety in conjunction with a behavior modification plan.

Possible Side Effects

Common but not serious side effects include:

• Drowsiness, lack of energy.
• Reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Shaking, shivering, tremors, restlessness, or panting.
• Excessive vocalization, including whining.
• Cats: Irritability, sleep disturbances, reduced appetite, and changes in urination and defecation habits (eg, going more or less than normal, diarrhea, color).

You don't have to be overly concerned if you see any of these signs unless they persist or worsen. Contact your veterinarian if this happens.

Side effects that may be serious or indicate a serious problem:

• Seizures, convulsions.
• Aggression (threatening behavior or actions) or extreme hyper-excitability (over excited and won't settle down).

If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Dogs:

1-2 mg/kg orally once daily. May use long-term. Continue medication until 2 months after a satisfactory response and then discontinue gradually if possible; behavioral management program should continue. Animals that relapse may resume therapy. Some dogs may require life-long treatment at the lowest effective dose. During seasonal noise fears, may add a benzodiazepine.

Cats:

• For adjunctive treatment of aggression: 0.5-1.5 mg/kg orally once daily.
• To help control urine marking or separation anxiety: 0.5-1 mg/kg (2.5-5 mg per cat) orally once daily.
• To control itching when other treatments have failed: 1-5 mg/cat orally once daily. Re-evaluate treatment after 1-4 weeks. Taper off dose over 6-8 weeks.
• For generalized anxiety disorder: 0.5-1.5 mg/kg orally once daily.

Cautions

Avoid giving other medicines that can make your pet sleepy (cold or allergy medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxants, seizure medicine, or other medications for depression or anxiety). Do not give Reconcile if your pet is using an MAO inhibitor such as Anipryl, selegiline, Preventic Collar, or Mitaban Dip. Side effects that may occur include rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If these or any other side effects occur, stop giving your pet Fluoxetine and contact your veterinarian.

Adverse Reactions:

The most commonly reported adverse effects include: lethargy/depression, decreased appetite, vomiting, shaking, tremor, restlessness, diarrhea, and excessive vocalization (whining); if these are severe or persist, contact your veterinarian. Do not stop this medication abruptly without veterinarian's guidance. Rarely, dogs may develop seizures (convulsion) while receiving this medication; contact veterinarian immediately should this occur.

Potential Drug Interactions:

Buspirone, cyproheptadine, diazepam, diuretics, insulin, lsonizaid, MAO inhibitors (amitraz, selegiline), pentazocine, phenytoin, propranolol, tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (clomipramine, amitriptyline), trazoldone, and warfarin.

Cautions:

Avoid giving other medicines that can make your pet sleepy (cold or allergy medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxants, seizure medicine, or other medications for depression or anxiety). Do not give Reconcile if your pet is using an MAO inhibitor such as Anipryl, selegiline, Preventic Collar, or Mitaban Dip. Side effects that may occur include rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If these or any other side effects occur, stop giving your pet Fluoxetine and contact your veterinarian.

Storage

Store this medication at room temperature away from heat and moisture.