Fluoxetine is used to treat a variety of behavioral disorders.

•May be given with or without food

•This medication takes several weeks to reach full effect.

•Many drug interactions are possible. Do not give your animal any other medications or supplements, including flea and tick collars, without checking with your veterinarian.

•Most common side effects are drowsiness and decreased appetite.

•Do not suddenly stop giving this medication.

Description

•Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

•Available as tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, and oral solutions

Uses

FDA-approved uses in animals:

•Treatment of separation anxiety in dogs

At the discretion of your veterinarian, this medication may be used in different species or for other reasons (extra-label use), such as:

•Treatment of other behavior disorders in dogs

•Treatment of behavior disorders in other species

Before this medication is given

No medication is 100% safe in all patients. Discuss with your veterinarian:

•Any other medications or supplements your animal is taking. This medication can interact with many other drugs.

•Any conditions or diseases your animal has now or has had in the past

•Any side effects your animal has had to medications in the past

•The risks of using this medication if your animal is pregnant or nursing

Warnings for animals

Do not use in animals:

•That are allergic to it or to similar medications, such as sertraline or paroxetine

•With a history of seizures

•Wearing an amitraz flea collar or taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as selegiline. Tell your veterinarian about all medications, collars, and dips used within 2 weeks of starting this medication.

Use with caution in:

•Aggressive animals

•Animals with liver disease

•Animals with diabetes

•Animals younger than 6 months old

•Elderly animals

•Animals that are pregnant or nursing

Certain medications are not allowed in some animal competitions. Check rules and regulations when your animal is taking a medication.

Warnings for humans

•Wash your hands after handling any medication.

How do I give this medication?

•Give with or without food.

•Measure liquids using an oral syringe, medicine cup, or dosing spoon. Do not use household measuring devices.

•This medication should be used in combination with a behavior modification plan. Discuss this with your veterinarian.

Give exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. Always follow the instructions on the prescription label.

Side effects

Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are severe, continue to occur, or worsen over time:

•Drowsiness or lack of energy

•Decreased appetite or mild weight loss. This side effect usually improves over time, but if it does not, call your veterinarian.

•Vomiting

•Diarrhea

•Restlessness

•Changes in urination habits, especially in cats

•Excessive vocalization, including whining

Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:

•Seizures

•Aggression or threatening behavior

•Extreme hyperexcitability or inability to settle down

Very rarely, this medication can cause a condition called serotonin syndrome. This happens when too much serotonin builds up in the body. Potential signs include rigid muscles, muscle tremors, restlessness, panting or pacing, agitation, enlarged pupils, loss of coordination, disorientation, or seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs. Giving multiple medications that affect serotonin at the same time increases the risk for serotonin syndrome.

How will I know it's working?

•This medication needs to be given consistently for several weeks before it reaches full effect. You should see a gradual improvement in your animal’s behavior as the medication becomes fully effective; however, side effects can occur right away.

Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs worsen or do not improve.

How long will the medication effects last?

•The effects of this medication could last for up to 2 weeks after the last dose.

•It may last longer if your animal has reduced liver function.

How long do I give it for?

This medication can be given for different lengths of time. Give it for as long as your veterinarian tells you. You may need to refill the prescription.

Do not suddenly stop giving this medication.

•When discontinuing, the dose may need to be decreased gradually over time to prevent side effects.

•Your veterinarian will provide tapering instructions.

Overdose

If you witness or suspect an overdose, call your veterinarian or an animal-specific poison control center (consultation fee applies):

•ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

•Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Have the product or label with you if possible.

Missed dose

In most cases, if you miss a dose:

•Give it when you remember, then return to the regular dosing schedule.

If it is close to the time for the next dose:

•Skip the missed dose.

•Give the next dose at the next scheduled time.

•Continue the regular dosing schedule.

If you are unsure, call your veterinary clinic. Do not double-up or give extra doses.

Storage

•Store in the original container at room temperature.

•Protect from light.

•Protect from excessive moisture.

•Keep out of reach of children and animals.

‐The chewable forms of this medication are meant to be appealing to animals. Secure storage that is well out of reach is important to prevent accidental overdose.

Disposal

Do not flush this medication down the toilet or wash down the sink. Options for disposing of unused or expired medications include:

•Drug take-back sites: This is preferred whenever possible. To find a site near you, contact your local law enforcement or waste management authorities.

•Home disposal: Mix the medication in with coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal it in a plastic bag, and throw it away in the trash.

Do not save leftover medication or give it to others to use.