Whether you are a veterinarian, a pet owner, or someone who is just curious, you are probably wondering how to deal with the consequences of accidentally giving your pet a double dose of fluoxetine. This is a common issue and there are several steps that you can take to ensure that your pet does not suffer from adverse effects. These include identifying the problem, evaluating the risk of further harm, and prescribing a treatment plan that will help you avoid further harm.
Precautions
Veterinary medicine has a long list of prescribed drugs, and many of these are off-label. Some of the medications can be quite toxic in large quantities, so pet owners need to be careful.
Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor, is a prescription drug that is given by mouth in tablet, capsule, or liquid form. It is metabolized by the liver, and a few days after the prescribed dosage, a full effect should be noticeable. The drug’s major drawbacks include increased salivation, and increased risk of bleeding. A flea or tick collar should not be used while on the drug.
Fluoxetine is not recommended for dogs with kidney disease. A study in veterinary medicine indicates that the drug is metabolized more slowly in animals with kidney problems. A dog may need to take a different drug to achieve the same effect. Using a drug with a lower LD50 (lower dose) may be the way to go.
Side effects
Several side effects may occur if you accidentally give your dog a double dose of Fluoxetine. Some of the common side effects include: decreased appetite, drooling, vocalization, restlessness, and muscle twitching.
Fluoxetine can also cause a serious and life threatening side effect called serotonin syndrome. This occurs when your dog accidentally chews or swallows too much of the medication. The amount of serotonin in your dog’s body increases, which can cause seizures and other symptoms.
If your pet develops any of the signs of serotonin syndrome, you should immediately contact your veterinarian or an emergency facility. You may also need to administer IV fluids.
Fluoxetine should be used with caution in pets with diabetes or liver disease. It should also be avoided in pets with a history of seizures. It should also be used cautiously in pets that have been exposed to anticoagulants, NSAIDs, monoamine oxide inhibitors, and tramadol.
Overdose
Having your dog take a double dose of a drug is a bad idea. This can cause serious harm and may result in seizures.
The good news is that if you are careful and follow the instructions, your dog is likely to be safe. However, you must be aware that if your dog is unsupervised, he or she could ingest the tablets.
Fluoxetine is one of the more common medications prescribed to dogs. It is a part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This type of medication delays the body’s ability to reuptake serotonin, which in turn helps with mood stabilization.
Fluoxetine is best administered by following the instructions of your vet. Depending on your pet’s condition, your vet may suggest administering the medicine by mouth, giving it to your dog with food or administering it via a drip in the mouth.
The best time to use a fluoxetine pill is in the late afternoon or early evening. Fluoxetine is best administered with clean hands.
Treatment
Unless your dog is very young or very old, you shouldn’t accidentally give him a double dose of fluoxetine. This is because the drug can cause serious side effects in your dog.
If you think that your dog has taken too much of this drug, you should immediately take your pet to the veterinarian. They will determine a dosage that will work for your pet. Fluoxetine should not be used for dogs that are lactating or pregnant. You should also avoid giving your dog fluoxetine if he has a history of seizures.
Fluoxetine is a part of a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These drugs block the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps with mood stabilization and feeling of well being. When your dog is given too much of this drug, he can experience serious side effects, including seizures.
Your veterinarian will tell you how to administer fluoxetine. If you are not sure, you can ask for a tapering schedule. Then, you can start giving your dog less of the drug each day.