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Saturday, 12 November 2011

Side Effects of Prozac in Cats

Side effects of Prozac® include: shaking, hyperactivity, restlessness and vocalising more than usual, loss of appetite and aggression, gastrointestinal upsets. Overdosing can lead to feline seizure¹.

Prozac® is Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is prescribed to people for depression. In cats it is prescribed for what we consider to be behavior disorders such as not using the litter box appropriately². I would be very cautious about going to a vet to ask him or her to prescribe this drug. Other more practical and common sense reasons for "behavioral problems" should be explored first. It may be a simple case of misplaced human expectations.

Note: (1) Dr. Jon on Petplace.com. (2) Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook ISBN 978-0-470-09530-0.

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