General Description: Buspirone is an anti-anxiety drug used to treat various behavior disorders (ex. fears, phobias, anxieties) in pets. Buspirone will relieve anxiety with minimal sedation or muscle relaxation and will not become addictive.
What is this drug?
Buspirone is an anxioltyic drug (azaperone class)
Buspirone is given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
To reduce aggression, chronic fears, phobias and anxieties
To treat inappropriate urine marking in cats
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Pets also receiving drugs known as MAO inhibitors
Use with caution in those with liver or kidney disease
Safety is unknown in pregnant or nursing animals, or in long-term use
Use with caution in working dogs as it may cause too much sedation
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to buspirone or other anti-anxiety drugs
Directions:
Buspirone may be administered in conjunction with a positive behavior modification program. It is essential to follow the training plan as well as administer the medication, to achieve therapy success.
Give this medication with or without food, although giving with food may lessen any stomach upset.
Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is usually giventwo or three times a day . Duration of treatment will be dependant upon the reason for and response to treatment.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.
It may take 2-4 weeks before effects of the medication are noted. Single doses will not likely be effective. Not all patients respond fully to this medication.
Do not abruptly discontinue this drug. It will be necessary to slowly taper the dose over time to ensure your pet’s fears and behaviors do not return.
Using some flea and tick products can be dangerous for your pet while taking buspirone. Check with your veterinarian before using any new flea products.
Baseline and periodic blood testing may be necessary to assess the pet’s health and response to buspirone.
What if dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not remove the desiccant, if included.
Refrigerate oral suspension.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Loss of appetite, sedation, fast heartbeat, dizziness, headache, stomach upset, agitation and restlessness
Some cats become more or less affectionate. Some timid cats may show aggression.
Drowsiness and constricted pupils. Report these side effects to your veterinarian immediately.
If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with furazolidone, MAOIs (ex. amitraz, deprenyl, isoniazid, selegiline), vitamins and supplements
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, buspirone should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about buspirone. If you have any questions or concerns about buspirone or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
