The drug takes effect quickly, in about one to two hours, when used for short-term stress relief. However, for long-term treatment, it can take several weeks before full effects are observed.
Trazodone stops working within 24 hours, but its effects can last longer in dogs with kidney or liver disease
.
Do dogs build up a tolerance to trazodone?
There is tolerance with trazodone
and it is recommended to titrate up slowly. At the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center we become concerned with naïve dogs who are exposed to trazodone at 5 mg/kg, though mild signs can be seen at doses lower than that.
How will trazodone affect my dog?
In a recent study, Trazodone was found to be well-tolerated with minimal side effects in dogs. Possible side effects include
sedation, lethargy, gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and/or diarrhea), ataxia, priapism (prolonged erections), increased anxiety, and aggression
. However, these symptoms are uncommon.
Can a dog take trazodone every day?
Trazodone can be given daily or on an as-needed basis to help your dog stay calm
. This makes this medication a great choice for your dog, who suffers from anxiety. Next time you are at your vet, make sure to ask them about prescribing Trazodone for your dog so they can be calm and stress-free.
How often can my dog take trazodone?
In dogs, there is a range of doses. They include
2.5 mg per pound per day to 15 mg per pound every 24 hours
. The average dose is approximately 3.5 mg per pound per day. Lower doses are used when combined with other behavioral modification medications.
How do I wean my dog off trazodone?
To wean him down,
decrease the dosage by half every 2 weeks
. So if you are giving him 1 pill twice a day, do 1/2 pill twice a day, then 1/2 pill once a day, then 1/2 pill every other day. Then stop completely.
How much is too much trazodone for dogs?
Doses
over 250 mg per pound
can be fatal. Some dogs can be much more sensitive to Trazodone than other dogs and lower doses can cause severe side effects in death in some dogs.
Is 50mg of trazodone a lot?
Trazodone Dosage for Sleep
When prescribed for sleep, trazodone can be taken as a 50 mg to 100 mg dose at bedtime
. If needed, the dose can be increased to up to 200 mg at bedtime to help with sleep. Those with both depression and sleep problems may need a higher dose in some cases — up to 300 mg at bedtime.
Can trazodone cause permanent damage?
Another serious sign of trazodone overdose can be priapism, an abnormal painful erection that occurs in the absence of stimulation and lasts for more than 4 hours. This condition is considered a medical emergency as
it can cause permanent damage
.
What are the long term side effects of trazodone?
- Decreased serum sodium levels (hyponatremia) and associated symptoms (headache, concentration problems, memory problems, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, increased fall risk).
- Serotonin syndrome.
- Confusion.
- Angle-closure glaucoma.
- Blurred vision.
- Hypotension.
- Fainting.
Will trazodone side effects go away?
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention
Some side effects of trazodone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects
may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine
.
