What are the different types of antidepressants?
The most common anti-depressants drugs are either:
1) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – e.g. fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Cipramil) and sertraline (Lustral or Zoloft)
2) Serotonin – noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) e.g. duloxetine and venlafaxine
3) Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) e.g. nortriptyline
Antidepressants are one of the top accidental poisonings we see in dogs. Antidepressants are typically a class of medication called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This type of medication is sometimes used in veterinary medicine also (for behavioral problems). At even therapeutic doses, it can result in moderate to severe clinical signs. With accidental poisoning or ingestion, clinical signs from SSRIs include sedation or central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, anorexia, and lethargy. With larger poisonings, serotonin syndrome can be seen. Clinical signs of serotonin syndrome include: CNS sedation or stimulation, vomiting, tremoring, seizures, hyperthermia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dilated pupils. Treatment includes decontamination (this should ideally only be done by a veterinarian, due to the rapid onset of clinical signs), sedation if needed, thermoregulation (including cooling measures, if appropriate), IV fluid therapy, blood pressure and electrocardiogram monitoring, and supportive and symptomatic care. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary!
SSRIs, antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Cymbalta, Effexor, Prozac, Reconcile, fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft, selective norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors, SNRIs, duloxetine, nefazodone, Serzone, venlafaxine
The content of this page is not veterinary advice. A number of factors (amount of substance ingested, size of the animal, allergies, etc.) determine what is toxic to a particular pet. If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, call Pet Poison Helpline or seek immediate veterinary treatment.
Can dogs take antidepressants for anxiety?
If your dog develops a serious anxiety disorder, your veterinarian may recommend medications or natural therapies. SSRIs and antidepressants are occasionally prescribed for dogs with anxiety, including fluoxetine and clomipramine.
The test was developed in the 1970s, purportedly to study the effectiveness of antidepressant medication, but it’s been widely discredited by scientists.
The ‘extreme’ side-effects of antidepressants – BBC News
These medications can have different effects on pets, sometimes leading to severe agitation or lethargy. 3 Slowed respiration is another potential complication.
Antidepressants are one of the top accidental poisonings we see in dogs. Antidepressants are typically a class of medication called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This type of medication is sometimes used in veterinary medicine also (for behavioral problems).