Mirtazapine for Dogs & Cats - 7.5mg (per tablet) (Manufacturer may vary) - [Relaxant]

Mirtazapine is used in behavior modification in dogs and cats on occasion but has been used more often as an appetite stimulant in pets that are reluctant to eat. It is commonly used for long term control of diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs (IBD) and in elderly renal failure cats. Some veterinarians may also use it for the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs, inappropriate urination (urine spraying) and anxiety in cats. The use of this drug in cats with interstitial cystitis is based on the condition's association with stress, and increased central nervous system activity occurring as a result of this disorder (because of frequent and painful urination).

Key Features

• Appetite stimulant for pets who are reluctant to eat
• Also used for behavior modification and reduction of stress and anxiety
• Controls Inflammatory Bowel disease and renal failure

How It Works

Mirtazapine causes a side effect that stimulates appetite. It also has strong anti-nausea properties that block signals from the intestine and stomach that communicate with the vomit center of the brain.

Indications

Mirtazapine tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

• Generally, Mirtazapine is given once a day to dogs, and twice a week to cats. However, dosages vary by weight and by veterinarians instructions so use accordingly.
• It is used to treat conditions where poor appetite and nausea go together.
• It is also used to alleviate the nausea associated with chemotherapy when treating cancer.

Tip: It is important to find out the cause of the loss of appetite in your pet and treat the underlying condition and not just the symptoms.

Caution:

Keep out of reach of children. Safety of Mirtazapine is unproven in pregnant and lactating pets.

Precautions:

Mirtazapine should be used with caution in pets with known cardiac disease or cerebrovascular disease that could be exacerbated by hypotension. Pets with renal impairment, renal failure, or hepatic disease may require lower doses of mirtazapine and should be monitored while on mirtazapine therapy.

This drug is FDA-approved for human use. However, it is common practice for veterinarians to prescribe such drugs for use in dogs and cats.

Possible Side Effects

Mirtazapine may cause a drop in blood pressure or an elevation in heart rate. Drowsiness and serotonin syndrome are potential side effects. Occasionally, mirtazapine has been reported to cause abnormalities in blood cell lines developing in the bone marrow. If a pet is known to have leukemia, low platelets, or some other blood disease mirtazapine can still be used but extra monitoring tests are probably in order.