Elavil

Amitriptyline is a strong antihistamine.
Amitryptiline also has what are called anticholinergic effects i.e. this medication disrupts acetylcholine and creates side effects such as dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, dried respiratory secretions.

Amitriptyline is a member of the class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.

Amitriptyline has been used in animals for separation anxiety, for inappropriate urination in cats, for feline lower urinary tract disease, and for obsessive grooming behaviors in both dogs and cats.

Give the tablet with food to decrease
the risk of side effects such as vomiting.
Amitriptyline, tablet form is very bitter,
and it may be difficult to give in pill form.

Apart from anticholinergic side effects the most common side effect is drowsiness/sedation.
The most potentially dangerous side effect that occurs with a realistic frequency is the exacerbation of a cardiac rhythm disturbance. For this an EKG screening has been recommended before starting this medication.

Inform your veterinarian if your pet is allergic to amitriptyline and you pet is on any other mediction of any kind.

Cannot be safely used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as Deprenyl(Anipryl).

The risk of developing a dangerously low white blood cell count with the use of methimazole is greatly increased if there is concurrent use of amitriptilline.

The use of Cimetadine (Tagamet®) can interfere with the desired effect of amitriptyline.

Amitriptyline is best not used in conjunction with drugs that have anticholinergic effects, drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, or with other psychoactive drugs.

May see sedation; abnormal heart rhythms & low blood pressure, which may cause weakness or collapse; seizures; or coma. Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows
any of these signs.

Can be very toxic, in overdoses, to humans & pets. Large overdoses can cause death.

Tricyclic antidepressants can alter blood sugar levels. Diabetic pets should avoid the use of amitriptyline and consult the veterinarian about the use of this medicine in nursing or pregnant pets.

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you
remember & if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed & go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once.

Store at room temperature. Protect
injectable form from light and freezing. Refrigerate oral suspension.

Do not use in pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young).

Use with extreme caution in animals with
seizure disorders/epilepsy, diabetes
mellitus, liver disease, or heart disease.

Consult with your veterinarian regarding
the physical examinations (including an
EKG) & laboratory testing necessary
prior to & during treatment with
amitriptyline.