Question 1

What is Trazodone used for?

Accepted Answer

Trazodone is indicated for: Event-based anxiety, post-surgical confinement, Pre-veterinary visit anxiety.

Question 2

What routes can Trazodone be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO.

Question 3

Which species have cited Trazodone dosing data?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Is Trazodone a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Trazodone 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 Trazodone?

Accepted Answer

Commonly used for event-based anxiety and post-surgical confinement in dogs. Sedation is primary effect. Serotonin syndrome risk with other serotonergic drugs. Priapism reported (rare). GI upset.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Trazodone?

Accepted Answer

Commonly used for event-based anxiety and post-surgical confinement in dogs. Sedation is primary effect. Serotonin syndrome risk with other serotonergic drugs. Priapism reported (rare). GI upset.

Question 7

How does Trazodone work?

Accepted Answer

Antagonizes 5-HT2A receptors and inhibits serotonin reuptake. Produces sedation and anxiolysis at lower doses than antidepressant effect.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	2–5 mg/kg	q8-12h as needed	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)	PO	50–100 mg per cat	q24h as needed	Moderate	Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th Ed

Trazodone

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Trazodone dosing data (2 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Backed by 2 published primary sources

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

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