Amitriptyline HCl (Generic) Tablets

This medication is used to help relieve certain symptoms of depression and behavioral problems. Endogenous depression is more likely to be alleviated than other depressive states. Endogenous depression is due to the presence of an internal stressor, whether it be cognitive or biological.

Possible side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, urinary retention and constipation. This medication may also cause potentially dangerous exacerbation of cardiac rythm disturbance.

Concurrent administration of amitriptyline hydrochloride (HCl) and electroshock therapy may increase the hazards associated with such therapy. Such treatment should be limited to pets for whom it is essential. Some pets may experience a large increase in amitriptyline concentration in the presence of topiramate and any adjustments in amitriptyline dose should be made according to the pet’s clinical response and not on the basis of plasma levels.

Depressed pets, particularly those with known manic-depressive illness, may experience a shift to mania or hypomania. In these circumstances, the dose of amitriptyline may be reduced or a major tranquilizer such as perphenazine may be administered concurrently.

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.