Behavioral
Fluoxetine
Medication Class:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Common Uses:
Fluoxetine is used to treat separation anxiety, aggression, and obsessive compulsive disorders like excessive licking or inappropriate elimination. This medication works by inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin, allowing it to accumulate and be more available. Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and cognitive functions like memory and learning. This medication is typically part of a regimen that includes behavior modification training techniques and usually takes a few weeks for a change in behavior to manifest.
Available Doseage Forms:
Chewable treat, Oil flavored solution, Capsule, Transdermal gel
Amitriptyline
Medication Class:
Tricyclic Antidepressant
Common Uses:
Amitriptyline is commonly used to treat anxiety, excessive grooming, spraying, or grieving over the loss of a companion. This medication works mostly by inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, while also having anticholinergic and antihistaminic effects. Like other antidepressants, this medication may take a few weeks for a change in behavior or pain control to take place, however, some sedative and anticholinergic effects may be seen more immediately.
Available Doseage Forms:
Chewable treat, Flavored suspension, Oil flavored solution, Capsule, Transdermal Gel