ANTIDEPRESSANT TOXICITY (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs) IN DOGS & CATS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Human antidepressants—SSRIs (fluoxetine), SNRIs (venlafaxine), and tricyclics (amitriptyline)—can cause serotonin syndrome, tremors, agitation, heart rhythm abnormalities, or seizures.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Small dose of SSRI → mild agitation
MEDICAL CAUSES
• Accidental ingestion of human medications
• Pets chewing pill bottles
EMERGENCY CAUSES (HIGH CONCERN)
• Tremors
• Hyperthermia
• Vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Agitation
• Seizures
• Severe muscle rigidity
RED FLAGS: WHEN THIS IS AN EMERGENCY
• Very dilated pupils
• Severe agitation
• Seizures
• Collapse
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Keep pet quiet
• Bring medication bottle
• Do NOT induce vomiting without guidance
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Heart rate and ECG
• Temperature
• Bloodwork
• Sedation
• IV fluids
• Anti-seizure therapy
• Serotonin antagonists
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• Serotonin syndrome
• Anticholinergic toxicity
• Seizures