Is it safe to take fluoxetine for years?
For most people, fluoxetine is safe to take for a long time. A few people may get sexual side effects, such as problems getting an erection or a lower sex drive. In some cases these can continue even after stopping the medicine. Speak to your doctor if you are worried.
How long can a cat take Prozac?
This medication acts by blocking the effect of serotonin (a brain chemical). Studies have found this medication to be approximately 75% effective in reducing inappropriate urination. It is typically given orally twice a day for a 2-week period. If it seems to work, the course is continued for a total of 8 weeks.
Can cats be on Prozac long-term?
A:To answer your first question, in an otherwise systemically healthy cat, Prozac (a.k.a. fluoxetine) is generally a safe drug at recommended doses. The likelihood of it causing any long-term adverse health effects in your cat is low.
Are there long-term effects of taking fluoxetine?
Considering the limited data available on long-term, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor management, we report for the first time on two cases of late-onset adverse effects occurring 6 and 10 years after chronic-fluoxetine treatment in which patients experienced symptoms of restlessness, tension, agitation, and …
What happens when you stop taking fluoxetine?
Stopping fluoxetine abruptly may result in one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms: irritability, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, nightmares, headache, and/or paresthesias (prickling, tingling sensation on the skin). Depression is also a part of bipolar illness.
Do antidepressants shorten your life?
The analysis found that in the general population, those taking antidepressants had a 33 percent higher risk of dying prematurely than people who were not taking the drugs. Additionally, antidepressant users were 14 percent more likely to have an adverse cardiovascular event, such as a stroke or a heart attack.
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.
Can You castrate a cat after taking Prozac?
Castration of cats generally stops behavior but not always. If the vet cannot find a physical problem, the brand is probably related to stress. Fluoxetine hydrochloride helps many cats stop spraying usually after taking the medication for several weeks. It does not work with all cats and some resume it once they are out of the medication.
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.
How often should I give my kitten Prozac?
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.
What are the side effects of fluoxetine for cats?
Serious/severe side effects include seizures, aggression, and excessive/persistent vomiting. In cats, behavior changes such as anxiety, irritability, lack of appetite, diarrhea, and changes in sleep and bathroom use.
What are the side effects of giving a cat Prozac?
Side Effects. Cats taking fluoxetine hydrochloride might experience some side effects. Kitty might start meowing a lot, a side effect that might be as bad as or worse than the behavior you’re trying to stop. He might also lose his appetite, tremble, become restless or lethargic, or have difficulty breathing.
When does fluoxetine stop working in a dog?
This moderate-acting medication should stop working in a few days, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease. Are there any risk factors for this medication? Fluoxetine should not be used in pets with a history of seizures or in pets that are on medications that lower the seizure threshold.
How long does it take for the medication to stop working in cats?
In cats, behavior changes such as anxiety, irritability, lack of appetite, diarrhea, and changes in sleep and bathroom use. This moderate-acting medication should stop working in a few days, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.