Project Description

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.

fluoxetine2

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)
dog1 dog2 dog3 dog4 dog7 dog6
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)
cat1 fat cat
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.