Fluoxetine

Generic Name: Fluoxetine
Brand Names: Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem, Rapiflux, Selfemra

Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI), is commonly prescribed to treat depression in human medical practice. It is also used in veterinary practice to treat a wide range of behavioral issues. However, fluoxetine can be toxic to your pet if ingested in significant quantities.

It is important to realize that, even at therapeutic doses, your pet may show signs of fatigue, excitation, nervousness, or loss of appetite.

Please note that other SSRIs (such as citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, and sertraline) carry similar toxicity risks.

Signs and symptoms of toxicity: fatigue, agitation, tremors, increased saliva production, vomiting, loss of appetite or refusal to eat, seizures, aggression, weakness, diarrhea, decreased heart rate, and difficulty walking.

Toxic consumption:
In dogs, toxicity and possible death can be seen at doses of 100 mg/kg or more. A dose of just 50 mg/kg may cause toxicity in cats.

Dogs: Fluoxetine Toxic Consumption
	X-Small Yorkie, Chihuahua	Small Pug, Boston Terrier, Poodle	Medium Beagle, Scottish Terrier	Large Boxer, Cocker Spaniel	X-Large Retriever, German Shepherd	XX-Large Great Dane, St. Bernard
	1 – 10 lbs. (0.45 – 4.6 kg)	11 – 25 lbs. (5 – 11.4 kg)	26 – 40 lbs. (11.8 – 18.2 kg)	41 – 70 lbs. (18.6 – 31.8 kg)	71 – 90 lbs. (32.3 – 40.9 kg)	91 – 110 lbs. (41.4 – 50 kg)
Fluoxetine	> 44 mg	> 499 mg	> 1179 mg	> 1859 mg	> 3229 mg	> 4139 mg

Cats: Fluoxetine Toxic Consumption
	Most Cats	Large Cats
	1 – 10 lbs. (0.45 – 4.6 kg)	11 – 25 lbs. (5 – 11.4 kg)
Fluoxetine	> 22 mg	> 249 mg

References:
– Osweiler, G, et al. (2011). Blackwell’s five-minute veterinary consult clinical companion. Small Animal Toxicology. [Kindle version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com
– Wismer TA. Antidepressant drug overdoses in dogs. Vet Med 2000; 95:520-525.