Trazodone is the main anxiolytic used in veterinary medicine because it significantly reduces physiological stress in cats and dogs. In this case, the animals are prone to illness due to the body’s decreased immunity. Four drugs from four different classes can be used to relieve acute situational fear and anxiety in dogs and cats: trazodone, gabapentin, alprazolam and oral dexmedetomidine. Of all of these, trazodone is the first choice for both veterinarians and humans, and the commonly chosen commercial product is Trittico. It is worth noting that trazodone can be administered both per os and intravenously. The oral route of administration has been chosen because side effects are rarer.,and the acceptable absolute bioavailability was 84.6%. Dosages were used according to behavioral or medical conditions. In anxiety the dose in dogs is: 1-16 mg/kg q24h for single daily medication or 1-19 mg/kg q24h in combination with other drugs, and in single administration the dose is between 2-14 mg/kg q24h. In behavioral stress in dogs the dose is 3.7 mg/kg alone/combined with NSAIDs, tramadol or other drugs. For sedation, the dose is 3.5 mg/kg q 12-24h.In cats no dose studies are reported. Only in case of accidental stress the dose of 7-15 mg/kg q 24h for 1-1,5h is mentioned.In behavioral stress in dogs the dose is 3.7 mg/kg alone/combined with NSAIDs, tramadol or other drugs. For sedation the dose is 3.5 mg/kg every 12-24h. In cats no studies on the dose administered are reported. In dogs in preoperative administration the dose is between 5-7 mg/kg combined with an opioid (Tramadol, Bupaq/Alvegesic). Postoperatively give 1-3 mg/kg in combination with tramadol for 3 days. Trazodone has a much higher risk of adverse reactions in geriatric patients including: callus, vomiting, colitis, sedation, sedation, increased appetite, paradoxical excitement and panting, hypersalivation and behavioral disinhibition in dogs, and hypersalivation, paradoxical excitement, ataxia, vomiting, diarrhea, callus in cats.
Keywords:- alprazolam
- anxiety
- gabapentin
- geriatric patient
- side effects
- Trazodone