1) Many pets will be sleepy or drunk on this medication. This usually goes away after about two weeks of starting or changing the dose of this medication. 2)
This medication can cause increased hunger, thirst and urination
.
What are side effects of phenobarbital in dogs?
Common side effects in dogs include
anxiety, agitation, lethargy, or sedation when therapy is started, and increased thirst, urination, and appetite or elevated liver enzymes on bloodwork
are possible. Side effects such as incoordination may indicate a dose that is too high.
What are the side effects of potassium bromide in dogs?
The most common side effect is sedation that usually resolves on its own. Other possible side effects include
irritability, restlessness, mild vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, increased appetite, increased thirst, and increased urination
.
What are the side effects of levetiracetam in dogs?
The most common side effects include
sleepiness and incoordination
in dogs. In cats, a decreased appetite, incoordination, drooling, and sleepiness most commonly occur. Serious side effects include persistent vomiting or sudden changes in behavior.
How long does potassium bromide take to work in dogs?
Potassium bromide does not begin working right away. It may take
six to twelve weeks
before we see improved seizure control with potassium bromide. Do not become discouraged by this fact. We will monitor blood levels 3 weeks and 3-4 months after starting the medication.
Does potassium bromide make dogs hungry?
As with any medication, potassium bromide does have the potential to cause side effects in dogs. The side effects that may be seen with potassium bromide include:
Increased appetite
. Increased thirst.
What happens if I give my dog too much potassium bromide?
Overdose. Toxicity to potassium bromide due to chronic overdose presents as
profound sedation, muscle pain, central nervous system signs, lack of coordination, stupor, and tremors
.
How effective is potassium bromide for dogs?
Potassium bromide is a
highly reliable anticonvulsant medication in dogs
. When compared to phenobarbital, potassium bromide seems to be similarly effective and has fewer undesirable side effects. Potassium bromide may be used alone (as “monotherapy”) or can be combined with other anti-medications.
Can potassium bromide cause ataxia in dogs?
Potassium bromide may cause a side effect called ataxia
, a drunken-like or staggering, off-kilter gait. The chemical can also cause hind leg weakness (paresis). Both side effects may come and go (as in our dog), but may also be persistent, depending on patient tolerance and dose.
Will phenobarbital make my dog pee more?
Phenobarbital: Phenobarbital is usually the first line drug chosen for primary epilepsy. Common short-term side effects of phenobarbital are mild sedation and some incoordination. Longer term side effects may be increased appetite, and,
occasionally, increased thirst and urination
.
Can phenobarbital cause incontinence in dogs?
Sometimes a dog may seem to need to urinate more frequently than normal when he is on phenobarbital
. This may be due to his excessive drinking habits. More water in equals more water out.
How long does it take for phenobarbital to get into a dog’s system?
Phenobarbitone is often the preferred first choice as it takes effect more quickly (
within 2 weeks
) than Potassium Bromide (3 to 6 months). Potassium Bromide can be used as first choice in animals with pre-existing liver disease or animals with very low seizure frequency.
How long does it take for a dog to adjust to levetiracetam?
The median time between initiation of levetiracetam treatment to owner response was
22.15 months
(range, 0.4–75.7 months).
What are the long term side effects of levetiracetam?
- Anger, aggression.
- Decreased ability to cope with daily life.
- Depression.
- Excessive emotional reactions or frequent mood swings or changes.
- Severe anxiety, agitation, or confused thoughts.
- Thoughts of suicide.
How effective is levetiracetam in dogs?
After 2 months of levetiracetam oral treatment (10 mg/kg TID),
8/14 dogs responded significantly to the treatment and seizure frequency was reduced by 50%
. In dogs that remained refractory, the dosage was increased to 20 mg/kg TID for 2 months.
How much potassium bromide should I give my dog?
The starting dose of KBr is
22 to 40 mg/kg orally per day
. However, given the reversibility of side effects, the upper limit of the dosage is dictated by the animal and owner’s ability to tolerate side effects. In the dog, the t
1 / 2
of KBr is approximately 25 days (range 15 to 45 days).
Can potassium bromide cause pancreatitis in dogs?
Abstract. In a retrospective study,
at least 10% of dogs receiving potassium bromide/phenobarbital combination therapy, compared with 0.3% of dogs receiving phenobarbital monotherapy, had probable pancreatitis
.
Does potassium bromide cause weight gain in dogs?
What results can I expect? Some dogs may experience sedation (drowsiness) when first starting this medication. This often resolves within several weeks of starting the medication. Some dogs also experience an increased thirst, which causes increased urination, and an increased appetite which
can cause weight gain
.
Does potassium bromide need to be refrigerated?
Potassium bromide suspension
must be stored in the refrigerator
and expires after 30 days. After the expiry date, the Potassium Bromide degrades such that the product becomes ineffective for seizure control.
Can dogs be allergic to potassium bromide?
Dogs can have an allergic reaction to potassium bromide
. If your dog is showing signs of an allergic reaction, contact your vet immediately. Potassium bromide shouldn’t be given to dogs who have kidney disease.
What does potassium bromide do?
Potassium bromide (KBr) is a salt, widely used as
an anticonvulsant and a sedative
in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with over-the-counter use extending to 1975 in the US. Its action is due to the bromide ion (sodium bromide is equally effective).
What is dog ataxia?
The word ataxia means
incoordination within the nervous system
. The abnormal movement can occur in the legs, the head, the torso, or all three.
Do dogs need potassium?
Potassium is an electrolyte and is vital to your dog’s health
. Potassium aids in the functioning of electrical charges in the heart, nerves, and muscles. If your dog is deficient in this critical mineral you may see that your dog is tired all the time, which is not normal, or they have no desire to eat.
What are the side effects of zonisamide in dogs?
Zonisamide use may be associated with the following side effects in dogs:
sedation, incoordination while walking, vomiting, and lack of appetite
. Contact your veterinarian if these signs are severe. Rare side effects include liver disease, urinary stones, and aggression.
