What can I take instead of fluoxetine?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro).
Can I stop giving my cat fluoxetine?
(It is also important to note that discontinuing fluoxetine therapy abruptly can sometimes cause problems so it is not advisable to do so unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian.)
What if fluoxetine does not work?
If your depression symptoms return for more than a few days, it’s time to see your doctor. But even if you feel like your antidepressant isn’t working, it’s important to keep taking it until your doctor advises otherwise. You may need a dosage increase or a slow tapering off process.
Why does fluoxetine take so long to work?
Since our brain has plenty of active serotonin transporter molecules when we start taking antidepressants, it takes a while before a suppression of the genes that code for the transporter has an effect on serotonin in the brain.
How is fluoxetine used to treat cat anxiety?
Fluoxetine (Reconcile ®, Prozac ®) is an anti-anxiety medication used for behavioural problems in cats. Metabolized to norfluoxetine, fluoxetine is a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), it blocks the reuptake of serotonin at the serotonin reuptake pump of the neuronal membrane, enhancing the actions of serotonin on 5HT1A autoreceptors.
Is it OK to give Prozac to cats?
This means that, although prozac is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it can be prescribed by pet veterinarians. The active ingredient in Prozac is fluoxetine, which is classified as an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake.
What is off label use of fluoxetine for dogs?
The FDA approved form for dogs is labeled to treat separation anxiety. Its use in cats, dogs, and birds to treat certain behavioral conditions is ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine.
Are there any side effects to taking fluoxetine?
The most common side effects include sleepiness and decreased appetite. Other side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, restlessness, panting, whining/vocalization, incoordination, hypersalivation, and weight loss. Serious/severe side effects include seizures, aggression, and excessive/persistent vomiting.
Does Your Cat Really need Prozac?
No! Prozac is formulated and dosed for human consumption. This is further tailored by your doctor, who gave you the right dosage based on your size and the severity of your depression. Giving it to your cat could lead to far worse problems than depression, and you should avoid giving it to them.
Does Prozac help an aggressive cat?
Prozac or Reconcile can be used in behavior problems in both cats and dogs. Most frequently, cats will receive Reconcile for separation anxiety and aggressiveness. However, when cats spray and this behavior is not controllable, Prozac can eliminate the problem.
How does Prozac affect cats?
The most common side effects reported in cats on prozac (fluoxetine) are lethargy and anorexia, and to a lesser extent hyperactivity, irritability, and other behavioral changes. If you’ve started your cat on medication and begin to see side effects, note their duration and severity and talk to your veterinarian.
What is the dosage of Prozac for cats?
The typical dose of Prozac for a kitten varies from 2 to 5 mg per day. Do not skip doses, as it may decrease the effectiveness of the medication. Sometimes the medication may initially increase the cat’s anxiety, before it goes into effect and calm it down. For diseases such as urine tagging,…