Product details
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used to treat several different conditions in animals, including behavioral disorders, pruritus (itching), urinary issues, and chronic/neuropathic pain.
This product is a tablet formulation.
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Used to help treat behavior disorders (e.g., separation anxiety), urinary conditions (e.g., incontinence), itching, and chronic/neuropathic pain in dogs and cats.
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Do not use this medication within at least 2 weeks of any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), including amitraz, an ingredient in certain flea and tick collars.
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Use with extreme caution in animals with seizure disorders.
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May be prescribed for other animal species; please consult your veterinarian.
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While this drug does not have an FDA-approved indication for all animal uses, it is commonly accepted for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for use in animals.
Medications can play a significant role in comprehensive behavior modification therapy. Please follow your pet’s individual treatment plan, which may include a combination of medications and behavioral modification strategies, as recommended by your veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
*Please note: This is a generic medication. Product packaging and appearance, including size, color, and shape, may differ from the description or images provided and are subject to manufacturer availability.
Product sourced directly from the manufacturer or their approved distributor. Guaranteed genuine product backed by the manufacturer.
For
Dogs and Cats
Active ingredient(s)
Amitriptyline hydrochloride
Common brand names
Elavil
Drug class
Tricyclic antidepressant
Product strength & size
Amitriptyline tablets may be available in multiple strengths and/or sizes. Please ensure the selected product and package size are appropriate for your pet, as recommended by your veterinarian.
For current availability, please refer to the product selection above.
Usage
Amitriptyline Tablets should be given orally as directed by your veterinarian. The full benefit of this medication may not be observed until several weeks after starting.
Do NOT discontinue this medication abruptly. Please consult your veterinarian before making any changes or discontinuing the prescribed dosing schedule.
This medication should be given with food at about the same time(s) each day. Ensure your pet always has access to fresh, clean drinking water while taking this medication.
Missed doses
Administer the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place at a controlled room temperature (68 to 77°F, excursions permitted between 59 and 86°F). Keep in a tight, light-resistant container and out of the reach of children and pets. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
Side effects
The most common side effects of this medication are drowsiness, dry mouth, increased thirst, constipation, and urinary retention.
Other possible side effects include (but may not be limited to) vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, decreased appetite, and ataxia (decreased coordination).
Your veterinarian may advise a lower initial dose and gradually increase over time to help find an appropriate dosage and avoid these effects.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice your pet appears overly stimulated or excited, has a seizure, difficulty urinating normally, abnormal bruising or bleeding, muscle tremors, fever, and/or collapse.
Notify your veterinarian if your pet experiences any of the effects described above, or if you notice any other side effects that are persistent or troublesome.
If you notice anything unusual, please consult your veterinarian.
Precautions
Do NOT discontinue this medication abruptly; gradual tapering may be required. Please consult your veterinarian prior to discontinuing the prescribed dosing schedule.
Use with extreme caution in animals with seizure disorders, as this medication may reduce the seizure threshold.
Because this medication should NOT be used within at least 2 weeks of any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (e.g., amitraz, selegiline), it is NOT compatible with flea and tick collars that contain amitraz as an active ingredient. If your pet is currently using one of these collars, consult your veterinarian before starting this medication.
Concurrent use of solid dosage forms (e.g., tablets) of oral potassium supplements should be avoided due to risk of upper GI injury.
Use with caution in animals with a history of liver, kidney, thyroid, or heart disorders; glaucoma or dry eye syndrome; diabetes; or adrenal gland tumors.
This medication can worsen constipation and urinary difficulty/retention.
Caution should also be exercised in very young or geriatric/elderly animals.
Safe use of this medication has not been established and may not be recommended in breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals. Discuss the risks of using this medication with your veterinarian if your pet is in one of these groups.
Do not administer to animals with a known history or suspected allergy/hypersensitivity to any tricyclic antidepressant, including this medication or any of its ingredients. Allergic reactions to medications may occur. Be sure to inform Vetsource and your veterinarian if your pet has any known drug sensitivities or allergies.
If your pet displays symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue therapy and call your veterinarian immediately or seek emergency veterinary attention. Symptoms may include (but are not limited to): swollen lips, tongue, face, or airways; difficulty breathing; agitation; profuse salivation; and widespread hives or itching.
Drug and food interactions
The following drugs* may have potential interactions with this medication:
alpha-2 agonists (e.g., clonidine, dexmedetomidine), anticholinergic agents (e.g., antihistamines, atropine), azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam), beta agonists (e.g., albuterol), beta blockers (e.g., atenolol, sotalol), blood pressure medications (e.g., amlodipine, enalapril, telmisartan), CNS depressant drugs (e.g., gabapentin, opioids, trazodone), diuretics (e.g., furosemide, spironolactone), estriol (Incurin), levothyroxine, MAOIs (e.g., amitraz, selegiline), methocarbamol, metoclopramide, mirtazapine, ondansetron, phenobarbital, phenothiazines (e.g., acepromazine, trimeprazine), phenylpropanolamine (Proin), oral potassium supplements, sildenafil, SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), tramadol, concurrent tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., clomipramine), and warfarin.
*NOTE: this may not be a comprehensive list. Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
Please ensure your veterinarian is aware of all medications and supplements that your pet is currently receiving. Your veterinarian may prescribe multiple medications, even if a potential drug interaction may occur. In these instances, your veterinarian may adjust the dosages or monitor your pet more closely.
Adverse reactions
If you are concerned that your pet has experienced an adverse reaction to this medication, please contact Vetsource Pet Owner Care at 877-738-4443.
Overdose
If you have any reason to suspect an overdose, call your doctor/veterinarian or the appropriate poison control resource immediately.
For humans:
The national toll-free Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, will connect you to your local poison center in case of emergency. This service is available nationwide and in most U.S. territories.
For animals:
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 888-426-4435.
Pet Poison Helpline® also provides a 24/7 animal poison control service at 855-764-7661.
*Please note: this information is for third-party services and is provided for convenience in case of potential poison-related emergencies. There may be consultation fee for these services.
Disclaimer
The content provided on this page is NOT medical advice.
All content, including the images and product description above, is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Consult your veterinarian for complete information about this product and how it fits into your pet's individual treatment plan.
Last revised: 7/18/2025