Amitriptyline- Anyone used before for their cats?

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M L and Cleo (GA)

M L and Cleo (GA)

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Nessie & Meka, two of my civies, have been not getting along with Titi, another civie, for the last 7-8 months I guess. I got N & M in January of 2010 and at first it was fine, everyone stayed away from each other and there weren't any problems other than the hissing when someone got too close.

It got worse after that with N & M attacking Titi at different times and situations; in the litter box, when she was playing quietly by herself, and sometimes for no apparent reason, etc.

I've tried the Comfort Zone diffusers for the last 6 months and they seem to be helping a little but not enough.

My other cat Beanie, has over the past week developed Cystitis again and we think it is due in part to the stress between the other 3 cats (culture was run last week; no bacteria or infection and X-ray showed no stones).

Anyway, my vet mentioned as a last resort to try the Amitriptyline twice a day for Nessie & Meka. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go that way but I don't have any other route I guess other than finding a new home for N & M.

I just wanted to know if anyone has used this med before with their cats and how/if it worked for you and any other thoughts you would have on it.

Thanks for any help.
 
I have used it for my civie who had litter box issues. It definitely helped her short circuit. She stayed on it for 2+ years, but I think you are supposed to have them on it for like 8 months and then try to taper off. After stopping the meds, she remained the same as on the meds - didn't resort to her old self. She never seemed "drugged up" though, which was good!
 
we used it for Jr back when he decided he needed to pee on fiance instead of in the litterbox. it did take care of the issue but it did make him a zombie. he was cool but way stoned on it. anyhow, we switched to prozac and he's been on that ever since. mind you, i don't know if reducing the dose of amitriptyline would have done away with the zombie-ness and still worked as we went right to prozac
 
Like you I first tried Feliway for Smokeys aggression but it just helped a little. I next tried Amitriptyline and it helped some more but not enough. I then went to the generic Prozac and it really worked.
 
I haven't used it, but I do use Paroxetine (Paxil) which was recommended by a feline behavioral specialist vet for feline aggression. It didn't stop the feline aggression, which was pretty severe, so I have the aggressive cat isolated from the others. It does lessen his anxiety about being isolated however, and helped a lot with his aggression towards humans. I have used between 1 mg to 2 mg daily, and he has had no side effects.
 
Before resorting to using a drug, maybe try a more natural route? Dr. Jean Hofve of Little Big Cats suggest spirit essences. She has recommended a new blend they have for aggressive cat situations. Here is the info:

http://spiritessence.com/?action=product&act=view&id=145

Also, just an FYI...I read recently that the Amitriptyline can alter blood sugar levels so not good for a diabetic. I know these are your civies you are talking about though.

Edited to fix link.
 
Amitrip actually made my mom's aggressive Siamese MORE aggressive- it seemed to completely shut off his self control switch. It had no effect whatsoever on his brother Clou (not aggressive, inappropriate peeing) but did seem to make him a bit stoned. ECID so it is certainly worth a shot, but I wouldn't give up hope if it doesn't work as there are many other meds to choose from.
 
different species but...we've used it long term in our dog who has fairly extreme anxiety issues and we're very happy with it. She'll stay on it till she dies and there are no apparent side effects.
 
a bit more thorough reply than my previous...

when we had issues with our dog, we did a few things
1. looked into TTouch therapy
2. consulted an animal communicator
3. evenutally used another animal communicator who also put together a personalized mix of floral essences

none of these really worked, but the second communicator did help us understand the source of her issues.

We went on for a few years with her anxiety and then finally my vet pointed out that it appeared to be a quality of life issue and asked whether we'd consider meds. At that point we were ready and the amitriptyline has really helped. SHe's not 'normal' but she's manageable and I think her life has improved dramatically.

Jen
 
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