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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
3

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
PO
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
PO
Frequency
SID to BID (or PRN)
Max dose
50 mg/dose; 100 mg/day
Duration: Short-term or situational

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

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.

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.

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 →