Trazodone is considered to be quite safe to use in dogs, causing only mild and rare side effects. In the majority of cases, the dog will become more sedated or lethargic than expected. In some dogs, the drug may cause mild excitation or anxiety, and quite rarely this anxiety might result in aggressive behavior.

How will my dog act on trazodone?

Sedation and Lethargy: Trazodone can cause sedation and lethargy, potentially affecting your dog's activity levels. Ataxia: Some dogs might exhibit ataxia, which is a lack of coordination or unsteadiness. Hypotension: Trazodone can lead to low blood pressure in some cases.

How long does it take trazodone to wear off in dogs?

How long does trazodone last in dogs? The elimination half-life of trazodone in dogs is 120-200 minutes (2 - 3 hours). This is the time in which half of the drug is cleared from the body. Therefore, trazodone would last for approximately 6-12 hours in dogs at therapeutic doses.

Why do dogs act weird after trazodone?

In some dogs, Trazodone “can cause something called disinhibition, although it's a very rare side effect,” Dr. Attas says. Disinhibition can occur when a dog that has some aggressive tendencies becomes slightly more aggressive after taking the medication, rather than experiencing the desired calming effect.

Does trazodone make dogs feel bad?

Dogs will often have sleepy, squinty, slightly watery eyes while on trazodone. Higher doses of trazodone will cause sedation. Not all dogs respond the same to trazodone, however. Some dogs may develop hyperactivity instead.

The Five Most Common Uses Of Trazodone For Dogs

Why isn't trazodone calming my dog?

The most common side effect, according to Greenstein, is that it may not be not effective at a lower dose for a particular dog. So, if the dose your vet prescribes doesn't seem to help your dog, it's best to call and let them know right away.

What is the most common side effect of trazodone?

Drowsiness (or sleepiness) is the most common trazodone side effect. In fact, over 40% of people taking the medication in clinical trials reported sleepiness. In fact, trazodone is more commonly used off-label to help people sleep than it is to treat depression.

What cannot be mixed with trazodone?

Do not use trazodone with buspirone (Buspar®), fentanyl (Abstral®, Duragesic®), lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®), tryptophan, St. John's wort, or some pain or migraine medicines (eg, sumatriptan, tramadol, Frova®, Maxalt®, Relpax®, Zomig®).

Does Trazadone make dogs more aggressive?

Trazodone is well-tolerated by most dogs and cats. The most common side effects are related to the digestive system (vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea). Less common side effects may include increased anxiety or agitation, aggression, or increased heart rate. Trazodone for dogs is often given with other behavioral drugs.

Is gabapentin or trazodone better for dogs?

Trazodone is a commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication frequently used to reduce stress before vet visits or during post-surgical confinement and rest. Gabapentin is often used for easing anxiety and pain in these situations, so these two medications are often prescribed together.

Does trazodone make dogs groggy the next day?

While trazodone is generally well-tolerated in dogs, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. These may include drowsiness, lethargy, gastrointestinal upset, and changes in appetite.

Why is my dog shaking when I take trazodone?

The most serious potential side effect of trazodone is serotonin syndrome, which is a reaction that occurs when brain levels of serotonin get too high. Elevated heart rate, tremors/shivering, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, elevated body temperature, or high blood pressure can all be signs of serotonin syndrome.

Do dogs need to be weaned off of Trazadone?

Should dogs be tapered off trazodone? Yes. Long-term use of trazodone – like other types of medication – can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms once stopped.

What foods should you avoid while taking trazodone?

It's best to avoid rich or spicy food while you're taking this medicine. Eat more high-fibre foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables and cereals. Try to drink several glasses of water every day. If you can, it may also help to do some exercise.

Can you give human trazodone to dogs without a vet?

Trazodone has the same active ingredient for humans as it does for dogs. But you should not give trazodone to your dog unless a vet prescribes it, and you should not take trazodone that a vet prescribes for your dog.

Is human trazodone the same as dog trazodone?

The way trazodone works in dogs is thought to be like the way it works in humans and that is by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin which increases levels of serotonin in the nerve synapses in the brain, and by blocking serotonin receptors.

Are dogs sad on trazodone?

In 104 dogs experiencing adverse effects, sedation and lethargy were reported in 43% of the dogs. Ataxia was reported in 16% and vomiting in 14%. Overall, lethargy, sedation, depression, somnolence, and subdued behavior are considered common signs of trazodone exposure.

How much trazodone will calm a dog?

Trazodone is used to treat anxiety in dogs. The standard dose of Trazodone for dogs is 1 to 3 milligrams per pound of the dog's body weight.

Will trazodone keep my dog from barking?

Trazodone is a versatile medication that has gained popularity in veterinary medicine due to its calming effects on dogs. It has been found to be particularly effective in managing anxiety-related behaviors such as excessive barking, separation anxiety, and fear of loud noises.

Why is trazodone not recommended?

Because of its sedative effects, it's sometimes used off-label to treat insomnia, either short-term or long-term. Trazodone may not be safe for some people to use, especially those who have heart disease, psychiatric illnesses, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is a natural alternative to trazodone?

Natural alternatives to trazodone

Some of these remedies include regular exercise, meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and the Mediterranean diet. Both high-intensity exercise and consistent low-intensity exercise can have a positive impact on brain function improving how people feel.

Should trazodone be taken with food for dogs?

How is trazodone given? Trazodone is given orally (by mouth) in the form of a tablet. It may be given with food or on an empty stomach. If your pet vomits or acts sick after receiving the medication on an empty stomach, try giving the next dose with food or a small treat.

Can trazodone cause horniness?

Overall, it seems that trazodone may be more likely to increase arousal than to lower your sex drive. In fact, there's some evidence that trazodone may be an effective option to help treat sexual issues caused by SSRIs.

What organ does trazodone affect?

Trazodone is extensively metabolized by the liver, mainly via the cytochrome P450 system (CYP3A4), and hepatotoxicity may be mediated by toxic intermediates of its metabolism.

How long does it take for trazodone to wear off?

For most people, trazodone can take around 1 to 2 days to fully wear off, depending on factors like dosage, metabolism, and overall health. The sedative effects, which help with sleep, typically wear off within 6 to 10 hours, which is why it's often prescribed as a nighttime medication.

---