Medicine Section

BEHAVIORAL MEDICATIONS

Acepromazine (PromAce)

• Although acepromazine has several actions that might be useful, it is mostly used as a tranquilizer.

Alprazolam (Xanax)

• Alprazolam, like its more famous cousin Valium, is a benzodiazepine tranquilizer. Alprazolam lasts longer than Valium.

Amitriptyline (Elavil)

• This antidepressant has been helpful for animals with obsessive grooming, inappropriate urination, and separation anxiety.

Buspirone Hydrochloride (Buspar)

• In veterinary medicine, buspirone has been especially helpful in the treatment of phobias (such as fear of thunder, people in uniform, etc.) and in the treatment of urine marking in cats.

Clomipramine (Clomicalm, Anafranil)

• Anxiety is not a problem exclusive to humans. Many pets have anxiety about separation from their owner, aggressive pets with whom they share their home, and other issues. The medications used to help animals with these issues are the same medications that humans use. Clomipramine is the first to achieve FDA approval for use in dogs as well as humans.

Diazepam (Valium)

• There are many uses for this medication since it is effective as an anti-anxiety medication, a muscle relaxant, an appetite stimulant, and a seizure control drug. The injectable form of diazepam is often used in anesthetic protocols.

Fluoxetine (Reconcile, Prozac)

• Fluoxetine is used in veterinary medicine for animals with anxiety, compulsive behavior, and other behavior issues. In 2007 a version of fluoxetine specifically labeled for animal use became available.

L-Deprenyl Hydrochloride (Anipryl, Eldepryl, Carbex)

• There are two uses for L-Deprenyl (also known as selegiline hydrochloride) in dogs: the treatment of Cushing’s disease, an adrenal hormone imbalance, and the treatment of senile mental deterioration.

Phenobarbital

• In dogs and cats, phenobarbital is probably the first choice for seizure suppression. It is effective, safe if used responsibly, and is one of the least expensive medications in all of veterinary practice.