General Drug Information and Indications

Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) for anxiety, post-operative stress, and behavioral disorders in dogs and cats. Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) antidepressant/anxiolytic (trazodone HCl). Mechanism: inhibits SERT (serotonin reuptake) + antagonizes postsynaptic 5-HT2A receptors → anxiolytic and sedative effects without full SSRI profile. Also antihistaminic and alpha-1 blocking properties (sedation). Used perioperatively for anxiety management in dogs and cats. Key information Serotonin modulator — situational anxiety. Store at room temperature. Serotonin syndrome risk with SSRIs/MAOIs. Sedation common at initiation. Allow 2–4 hours before anticipated stressful event.

How to Give this Medication

Oral tablets: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Tablets may be crushed. Administer 1–2 hrs before anticipated stressful event (situational anxiety). Chronic use: administer twice daily. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due within a few hours, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Never give a double dose.

Side Effects

CNS sedation (most common — dose-dependent; often desired). GI: vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia. Hypotension (alpha-1 blockade). Priapism (rare — alpha-1 blockade). Serotonin syndrome (with MAOIs — contraindicated). Cardiac arrhythmias (rare). Respiratory depression (rare, high doses).

Precautions

For animals Drug interaction: avoid MAOIs (serotonin syndrome). Avoid concurrent serotonergic drugs. Use with caution in hepatic impairment. May cause significant sedation — dose accordingly for intended use. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). SARI antidepressant — Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after handling. Keep away from children. Serotonin syndrome risk if ingested.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Trazodone overdose causes extreme sedation, low blood pressure, and priapism (in males). Contact vet immediately. Contact your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.

Trazodone Tab dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
TRAZODONE TAB 100MG100 MGTablet1Commercial
TRAZODONE TAB 100MG (Teva)100 MGTablet1Commercial
TRAZODONE TAB 100MG (Torrent)100 MGTablet1Commercial
TRAZODONE TAB 100MG100 MGTablet1Commercial
TRAZODONE TAB 150MG150MGTablet—Commercial
TRAZODONE TAB 150MG150MGTablet—Commercial
TRAZODONE TAB 150MG (Teva)—Tablet1Commercial
TRAZODONE TAB 150MG150 MGTablet1Commercial
TRAZODONE TAB 50MG50 MGTablet1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)