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Amitriptyline

Prescription
Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine at presynaptic nerve terminals. Also has anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties. Used for behavior disorders, neuropathic pain, and feline idiopathic cystitis.

At a glance

Class
Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for separation anxiety, noise phobias, compulsive behaviors, and neuropathi
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q12–24h
🐈

Cat

Used for feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), inappropriate elimination, psychogeni
Dose
0.5–1 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q12–24h

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Behavioral response at 4–6 weeksBody weightCBC periodicallyCardiac rhythm if pre-existing heart disease

Interactions

Major — 2

Tramadol
major
Additive serotonin reuptake inhibition. TCAs + tramadol: serotonin syndrome and seizure risk.
Management: Avoid combination. If both pain and behavioral indications, use non-serotonergic opioid.
Fluoxetine
major
Fluoxetine inhibits CYP2D6 metabolism of amitriptyline, increasing TCA levels. Both serotonergic — serotonin syndrome risk.
Management: Avoid. Allow adequate washout (5 weeks from fluoxetine).

Moderate — 1

Acepromazine
moderate
Both have alpha-adrenergic blocking properties (hypotension) and anticholinergic effects. Additive sedation and cardiovascular depression.
Management: Monitor blood pressure and heart rate. Reduce doses when combining. Watch for excessive sedation.

Brands

Other markets

Elavil
Amitril

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (tca) used in pets. Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine at presynaptic nerve terminals. Also has anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties. Used for behavior disorders, neuropathic pain, and feline idiopathic cystitis.
›What is Amitriptyline used for in pets?
Amitriptyline is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for separation anxiety, noise phobias, compulsive behaviors, and neuropathi; Used for feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), inappropriate elimination, psychogeni.
›What is the Amitriptyline dose for dogs?
For dogs, Amitriptyline is typically dosed as follows — Used for separation anxiety, noise phobias, compulsive behaviors, and neuropathi: 1–2 mg/kg PO q12–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Amitriptyline dose for cats?
For cats, Amitriptyline is typically dosed as follows — Used for feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), inappropriate elimination, psychogeni: 0.5–1 mg/kg PO q12–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Amitriptyline need a prescription?
Yes. Amitriptyline is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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Doxepin
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Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine with potent H1 and H2 antihistamine activity (most antihistaminic of all TCAs). Also has anticholinergic and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties. Used for pruritus, anxiety, and allergic conditions.
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Imipramine
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