Veterinarians now also recommend the medication to calm dogs before vet visits and examinations. While the trazodone that humans take is the same medication as that given to dogs, there are differences in the way healthcare professionals prescribe it that you should consider.

Can humans take dog trazadone?

Conclusion. Trazodone is a medication that applies to both dogs and humans. In humans, Trazodone is an antidepressant that is often prescribed as a sleep aid.

Is there a difference between human trazodone and dog trazodone?

There's one major difference between trazodone for humans and trazodone for dogs. People can take this drug long-term. Dogs, however, should only take it for a short period of time, emphasizes Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover and Chief Veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital.

What happens if I take my dog trazodone?

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.

What happens if humans take trazodone?

In the first few days, trazodone may make you feel sleepy. Antidepressants like trazodone help to improve your mood so you feel better. You may notice that you sleep better and get on with people more easily because you're less anxious. You'll hopefully be more relaxed about things that used to worry you.

Dogs and Trazodone | SOBER FACTS | S2E7

How fast does trazodone work in humans?

This means people can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Most people start to feel the sedative effect of Trazodone for sleep about 30 – 60 mins after taking their prescribed dose. “The sedating effects are immediate if the dose is correct. It will help you fall asleep within an hour of taking the medication.”

Is 50mg of trazodone a lot for a dog?

What is a Safe Trazodone Dosage for Dogs? A safe dosage of trazodone for dogs is generally 2-3.5 mg/lb of body weight, George says. The specific amount prescribed by your veterinarian will vary, depending on your dog's breed, weight, and the issue for which the medication is being used, says Labes.

Can I get trazodone for my dog without a vet prescription?

Generic trazodone comes in 50-, 100-, 150-, and 300-milligram tablets and requires a written prescription in some states. Otherwise, your veterinarian can phone it in to your local pharmacy.

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®).

Can humans take dog medication?

Although some animal medicines may share the same or similar ingredients as human medicines, they are not safe for human use and shouldn't be taken.

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.

Is trazodone for dogs same as trazodone for people?

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.

What happens if you accidentally take dog medicine?

Fortunately, no serious harm occurred, but some pet medicines can be harmful if taken by humans. Also, a person who takes a pet's medicine instead of the medicine that was prescribed will lose the benefit of taking the correct medicine.

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.

Does trazodone for dogs work for humans?

Trazodone is often used as an additional medication for behavioral problems that do not adequately respond to just one medication. The FDA (US Food & Drug Administration) has approved this drug for use in humans, but it is not officially approved for use in animals.

What is a good substitute for trazodone for dogs?

Valerian Root is an herb that has been used in traditional medicine to help treat anxiety and improve sleep quality. It is considered just as effective as more modern medications, such as trazodone, in controlling anxiety symptoms.

Why is my dog shaking when I take trazodone?

Shaking or tremors in dogs after taking trazodone may be a sign of serotonin syndrome, a serious side effect. Serotonin levels can elevate, causing symptoms like restlessness, agitation, and tremors. If you notice these signs in your dog, seeking immediate veterinary care is crucial.

Can humans take trazodone?

Adults—At first, 150 milligrams (mg) per day, given in divided doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 400 mg per day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

How long does it take for trazodone to kick in a dog?

The bottom line. Trazodone can be used to manage anxiety and stress-related behaviors in most dogs. Trazodone is considered safe and effective, and it takes 1 to 3 hours to kick in. The effects can last up to 8 hours.

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.

Why is trazodone not recommended for sleep?

Although it has been shown to help you fall asleep faster, one of the reasons the American Academy of Sleep Medicine doesn't recommend trazodone is because research suggests it only reduces the time it takes to fall asleep by about 10 minutes.4 In addition, the amount of time spent awake at night is only reduced by ...

What is better than trazodone for sleep?

One study looked at trazodone vs Ambien for insomnia. Both drugs were tolerated well with few side effects. Both trazodone and Ambien helped people in the study sleep better during the first week, but only Ambien helped people sleep better the second week. The study found Ambien to be more effective than trazodone.

What is the first drug of choice for insomnia?

Zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, Intermezzo, Zolpimist)

A sedative-hypnotic of the imidazopyridine class, zolpidem has a rapid onset and short duration of action. It is a good first choice for treatment of sleep-onset insomnia and produces no significant residual sedation in the morning.

---