Fluoxetine is an antidepressant belonging to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Fluoxetine is used in dogs and cats for the treatment of canine aggression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluoxetine requires a prescription from your veterinarian. Tablets are sold individually.
Licensed U.S. Pet Pharmacy | Verified Pharmacy
Sitewide Sale! 15% OFF Use Code EPX15 *
Fluoxetine (Generic) for Dogs & Cats - 20-mg, 1 tablet - [Behavioral Support]
Item# IWM056103S
FREE SHIPPING Over $79! * Pet Food & Other Exclusions
- Description
- Directions
- FAQ
- Reviews
Description
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.
Directions
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.
FAQ
Fluoxetine affects chemicals in the brain that can cause depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. It may take up to 3 or 4 weeks before the medication becomes effective.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is allergic to any medications of if your pet has liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or seizures. Notify your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant, if you are planning to breed your pet, or if your pet is lactating.
Do not give Fluoxetine with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as Anipryl, selegiline, Preventic Collar or Mitaban Dip. Call your veterinarian at once if new or worsening symptoms such as mood or behavior changes, anxiety, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, hostile behavior, aggression, restlessness, hyperactivity.
Give Fluoxetine exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask your pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Do not give larger amounts or give it for longer than recommended by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may occasionally change the dose to achieve the best result. It may take 3 to 4 weeks or longer before Fluoxetine takes effect. Do not stop using Fluoxetine without first consulting with your veterinarian. Unpleasant side effects can occur if the medication is stopped suddenly. Store Fluoxetine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and other pets.
If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Fluoxetine and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (skin rash or hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). Call your veterinarian at once if your pet has any new or worsening symptoms such as mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, hostility, aggression, restlessness, hyperactivity, or increased depression. Call your veterinarian at once if your pet has any serious side effects such as; seizures (convulsions); tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching; a red, blistering, peeling skin rash; problems with balance or coordination; or agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat. Less serious side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, changes in appetite, weight changes, dry mouth. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
Avoid giving other medicines that can make the pet sleepy such as; cold or allergy medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, seizure medicine, or other medications for depression or anxiety. Tell your veterinarian if you give your pet any of these medications regularly.
Talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any medicine for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. This includes carprofen, piroxicam, etodolac, and others. Giving any of these medications with Fluoxetine may cause the pet to bruise or bleed easily. Before giving Fluoxetine, tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given digoxin, diazepam (Valium), phenytoin (Dilantin), warfarin (Coumadin), amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil). Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Fluoxetine. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines including herbal supplement.
