The use of gabapentin was found to be a safe and effective treatment for cats for reducing stress and aggression in a 2017 study published in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA). Here is a list of the most commonly prescribed cat anti-anxiety medications and their potential side effects. Click to Jump to a specific section: Fluoxetine. Paroxetine. Sertraline. Clomipramine. Buspirone. Alprazolam. Lorazepam. Oxazepam. Trazodone. Gabapentin. Fluoxetine. Indications: Generalized anxiety (moderate to severe anxiety) Gabapentin is an analgesic and anti-epileptic drug with good oral bioavailability and a good safety profile. It has been used with good anecdotal success to reduce fear in cats in exam situations. The purpose of this study was to determine if a single oral dose of gabapentin (50mg or 100mg per cat) decreases stress responses in TNR cats. Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant used in the treatment of neuropathic pain, has been shown to reduce anxiety in rats and humans. 1,2 Although gabapentin’s anxiolytic properties have not been studied in cats, pharmacokinetics studies have reported excellent oral bioavailability and a wide margin of safety with single-dose administration. 3 Gabapentin is classified as an anticonvulsant, anxiolytic (relieving anxiety), and neuropathic pain analgesic. It’s a medication commonly used in cats for both stress and anxiety, as well as for chronic pain. For behavior, it is most often used to decrease fear responses during veterinary exam visits and car or plane travel. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of oral gabapentin administration prior to veterinary examination on signs of stress in cats. DESIGN Randomized, blinded, crossover clinical trial. ANIMALS 20 healthy pet cats with a history of fractious behavior or signs of stress during veterinary examination. PR Gabapentin is a popular anticonvulsant medicine among humans and pets, especially for cats and dogs. Humans use the drug for mild and chronic pain and control seizure conditions. However, in cats, gabapentin is used for chronic musculoskeletal neuropathic pain and mild sedation in stressful situations such as vet visits, travel sickness etc. Knowing about the [] Gabapentin is a versatile and very safe medication for cats, effective in managing pain, anxiety disorders, and behavioral issues. The most common side effect of gabapentin in cats is mild sedation, usually temporary and typically decreases with continued use. The benefits of gabapentin were highlighted in an early case report, where it was used as part of a multi-modal analgesia strategy in cats with major trauma and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) were contraindicated. 1 The authors concluded that gabapentin should be considered for this purpose in clinical settings but that further It is common for cats to experience some wobbliness after taking a sedative or anti-anxiety medication like gabapentin. This is usually not a cause for concern and can be expected as the medication takes effect, lasting up to about 8 hours. Luckily, there is an effective anti-anxiety medication for cats called gabapentin, but the uses of gabapentin in cats are not limited to anxiety. For example, it can also be used to manage several types of pain and help treat seizures. Cats that are prone to urine spraying or suffer from motion sickness, social anxiety, psychogenic alopecia, fear, and phobia may benefit from this anti-anxiety medication. Possible side effects may include increased affection, sleepiness, nausea, or a slower heart rate. Gabapentin. Traditionally used for chronic and neuropathic pain, gabapentin lessens stress in cats when given at a dose of 100 mg per cat (dose range is 50-200 mg/cat) 90 minutes prior to an anxiety-provoking event, such as placement into a carrier. Herron called gabapentin a “game-changer for handling compliance in cats.” Trazodone Gabapentin is a safe and effective anti-anxiety medication for cats. Ask us how we can calm your cat and make your next veterinary visit stress-free! Abstract. This review focuses on pre-appointment medications used to decrease fear and anxiety in dogs and cats related to veterinary visits. A review of the literature revealed data on 4 medications from 4 medication classes that have been used to ameliorate acute situational fear and anxiety in dogs and cats: gabapentin, trazodone, oral transmucosal dexmedetomidine, and alprazolam. Gabapentin is a commonly-prescribed medication for cats, used most often for chronic pain conditions, and as a pre-medication to relieve stress or anxiety before veterinary exams or travel. Also Read: Cat Separation Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment
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