Guest Wpgkeith Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Riley and Brogan have a Rx for Xanax that they take for thunderstorms or fireworks. I had a thought this morning...I have a Rx for Amitriptyline 10mg which I take as a sleep aid and muscle relaxant. As an old school antidepressant (in higher dosages), it also has some anti-anxiety elements, too. Instead of the Xanax, could the pups take the Amitriptyline? Thanks, K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatricksMom Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 It's in a completely different class, that could be very dangerous. I would never give a dog any medication I hadn't asked the vet about. And even if it's safe, you'd need to check the dosage. Quote Beth, Petey (8 September 2018- ), and Faith (22 March 2019). Godspeed Patrick (28 April 1999 - 5 August 2012), Murphy (23 June 2004 - 27 July 2013), Leo (1 May 2009 - 27 January 2020), and Henry (10 August 2010 - 7 August 2020), you were loved more than you can know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Dogs DO take Amitriptyline--our Lab was on it for OCD licking (it didn't help), but I'm with Patrick. I wouldn't just give it to a dog without speaking to the vet first. Quote Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lothianjavert Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 I wouldn't give it w/o talking to the vet first. However, yes, lots of people meds are routinely used for animals. I've had prescriptions for Tramadol and gabapentin filled at my regular pharmacy. As a kid, my dad and our poodle shared synthroid. (she took 1/4 pill, dad took 1 pill, same brand, purchased at same pharmacy if one ran out, the other's meds were used until the refill called in ) Quote In vino veritasRachael with Rook, missing Sully, Sebau, and Diesel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 (edited) Yes, dogs take amitriptyline, but you can't just substitute one of the other. Especially if he takes xanax daily or more than a couple times a week. It can be physically addiciting and needs to be weaned off slowly. Speak to your vet if you believe the xanax isn't working and would like to try another drug. Also, xanax is relativey fast acting, while amitriptyline needs some time to work, I believe. Lots of people drugs are being used in dogs, though not so much the other way around. Some dogs are even on viagra for heart conditions (it's original purpose in people as well!). Edited August 9, 2011 by greysmom Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Wpgkeith Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Yes on the checking with the vet first. This is just a trial balloon to see if it possible. RE: Dosage, yup...but 10 mg is about as small as it comes...it really is just to take the edge off to help sleep arrive. K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Yes on the checking with the vet first. This is just a trial balloon to see if it possible. RE: Dosage, yup...but 10 mg is about as small as it comes...it really is just to take the edge off to help sleep arrive. K It's an antidepressant, not a sedative. I don't think it will have the desired effect. Quote Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Wpgkeith Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 (edited) Gotta love the Google-machine! Linky Linky...2 K Edited August 9, 2011 by Wpgkeith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sambuca Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Damn, that's cheaper than I pay. I'm on amytriptaline for sleep (that's the biggest side effect). I wouldn't just switch, but if the vet gives to go ahead, then that's great. Just a warning that it knocks most people out and I wouldn't be surprised if it does the same to dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 If you're giving sporadically rather than daily throughout your thunderstorm season, amitriptyline would not be appropriate. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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