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Trazodone

Prescription

Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI)

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

6 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Inhibits serotonin reuptake and antagonizes 5-HT2A receptors; provides anxiolysis and sedation without significant anticholinergic effects; rapid onset for situational anxiety

At a glance

Class

Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Situational anxiety (vet visits, thunderstorms) / Post-surgical confinement / Adjunct to SSRIs

Dose

2–10 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID to BID (or PRN 1–2h before event)

Max dose

300 mg/dose; 600 mg/day

Duration: Short-term situational or long-term as adjunct

🐈

Cat

Situational anxiety / Confinement anxiety

Dose

2–5 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID to BID (or PRN)

Max dose

50 mg/dose; 100 mg/day

Duration: Short-term or situational

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 →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 3

Strength

25mg

Available in India

Strength

50mg

Available in India

Strength

100mg

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Concurrent MAO inhibitors
Serotonin syndrome risk
Selegiline

Use with caution

Concurrent SSRIs/TCAs
Monitor for serotonin syndrome; commonly used together at reduced doses
Hepatic disease
Hepatic metabolism

Adverse effects

Common

Sedation

GI upset

Ataxia

Serious

Serotonin syndrome (with concurrent serotonergic drugs)

Priapism (rare)

Paradoxical excitement

Monitoring parameters

Sedation levelBehaviour responseHeart rate

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Clomipramine

major

Both serotonergic: trazodone (SARI) + clomipramine (potent SRI). High serotonin syndrome risk.

Management: Avoid combination.

Moderate — 5

Fluoxetine

moderate

Both increase serotonin via different mechanisms; additive serotonergic effects

Management: Common combination in veterinary behaviour medicine but use with caution. Start trazodone at low dose.

Acepromazine

moderate

Additive CNS depression and hypotension

Management: Reduce doses of both if used together. Monitor for excessive sedation and hypotension.

Tramadol

moderate

Both have serotonergic activity: trazodone (SARI — serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor) + tramadol (serotonin reuptake inhibitor). Additive serotonin risk.

Management: Use with caution. Lower doses of both. Monitor for serotonin syndrome signs (agitation, hyperthermia, tremors).

Gabapentin

moderate

Additive CNS depression: sedation, ataxia. Both used for anxiety/pain but combined sedation can be significant.

Management: Start with lower doses of both when combining. Monitor for excessive sedation, especially in geriatric patients.

Clonidine

moderate

Both cause sedation and hypotension via different mechanisms. Additive CNS depression.

Management: Often used together for anxiety management. Use lower doses of both. Monitor for excessive sedation and hypotension.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Desyrel

Pragma

India

Trazalon

Sun Pharma

Trazonil

Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Trazodone?

Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (sari) used in pets. Inhibits serotonin reuptake and antagonizes 5-HT2A receptors; provides anxiolysis and sedation without significant anticholinergic effects; rapid onset for situational anxiety

›What is Trazodone used for in pets?

Trazodone is used in veterinary medicine for: Situational anxiety (vet visits, thunderstorms) / Post-surgical confinement / Adjunct to SSRIs; Situational anxiety / Confinement anxiety.

›What is the Trazodone dose for dogs?

For dogs, Trazodone is typically dosed as follows — Situational anxiety (vet visits, thunderstorms) / Post-surgical confinement / Adjunct to SSRIs: 2–10 mg/kg PO SID to BID (or PRN 1–2h before event). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Trazodone dose for cats?

For cats, Trazodone is typically dosed as follows — Situational anxiety / Confinement anxiety: 2–5 mg/kg PO SID to BID (or PRN). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Trazodone?

Common: Sedation, GI upset, Ataxia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Serotonin syndrome (with concurrent serotonergic drugs), Priapism (rare), Paradoxical excitement.

›Does Trazodone need a prescription?

Yes. Trazodone is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Trazodone not be used?

Do not use Trazodone if: Concurrent MAO inhibitors.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database