Question 1

What is Amitriptyline used for?

Accepted Answer

Amitriptyline is indicated for: anxiety, feline idiopathic cystitis, Inappropriate elimination, neuropathic pain, Separation anxiety.

Question 2

What routes can Amitriptyline be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO.

Question 3

Which species have cited Amitriptyline dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Amitriptyline dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Amitriptyline a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Amitriptyline is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Amitriptyline?

Accepted Answer

Allow 2-4 weeks for behavioral effects. Sedation, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation. CONTRAINDICATED with MAOIs. Serotonin syndrome risk with tramadol. Cardiotoxic in overdose.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Amitriptyline?

Accepted Answer

Allow 2-4 weeks for behavioral effects. Sedation, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation. CONTRAINDICATED with MAOIs. Serotonin syndrome risk with tramadol. Cardiotoxic in overdose.

Question 7

How does Amitriptyline work?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Also has anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	1–4 mg/kg	q12-24h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)	PO	0.5–2 mg/kg	q12-24h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Amitriptyline

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Amitriptyline dosing data (2 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Backed by a published primary source

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

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