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Alprazolam in Veterinary Medicine - Facts and Information

Alprazolam

Updated on September 10, 2024

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety-related behavior disorders in dogs and cats.

Alprazolam

Summary

Used For:

Behavioral disorders, especially those related to anxiety

Brands:

Xanax

Species:

Dogs and Cats

Other names:

Niravam

Drug type:

Anti-anxiety

Prescription required:

Yes; alprazolam is a schedule IV controlled substance

Pregnancy and lactation:

Should not be used pregnant or nursing animals

Side effects:

Most commonly related to drowsiness or sedation; however, paradoxical excitation may occur
 

General description

Alprazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines that are commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat anxiety in dogs and cats.

Uses

Generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, storm phobias, noise phobias, and other anxiety related conditions.

How it works

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine which acts on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.

Dosage

**Dogs**: 0.02 – 0.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 6-12 hours. **Cats**: 0.125 – 0.25 milligrams per cat by mouth every 8-24 hours. If used for phobias, it should be given 30-60 minutes before triggering event or at the first sign of heightened anxiety if unable to give preemptively.

Forms

Alprazolam Oral Tablets: 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 milligram sizes Alprazolam Oral Solution: 1 milligram per milliliter

Storage information & handling

Store at room temperature protected from moisture and light.

What results can I expect?

Reduction in anxiety

Missed Dosage

Alprazolam is commonly given as needed, so missed dosing is not a concern. If given on a daily basis, give the mixed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Never give two doses at once.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Overdose is possible and the severity is dose dependent.

Side effects

* Sedation/Drowsiness * Increased appetite * Ataxia (wobbly gait) * Irritability * Excitement * Increased affection * Depression

Contraindications

Use with caution in aggressive animals, geriatric or debilitated patients or animals with: * Benzodiazepine sensitivity * Hepatic or renal disease * Glaucoma

Drug interactions

The following drugs may interact with alprazolam: * cimetidine * erythromycin * isoniazid * ketoconazole * propofol * valproic acid * digoxin * rifampin * CNS depressant agents

Precaution

Alprazolam should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals.

Related Questions

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My dog I heated uses tampon is it an emergency

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble understand your question as I'm not sure what you mean by "My dog I heated uses tampons..." I'm wondering if Bella ate a tampon or if you wanted to use one on her while she is in heat. I will answer both to be safe. If she ate a tampon, then yes this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. Tampons can easily cause obstructions in the GI tract, especially since they are absorbent and can get large in the stomach from liquid in there. if Bella ate a tampon, you need to take her into a vet immediately to get it removed. If she is on heat, no you cannot use a tampon to control her bleeding. It's not safe to use at all, and are not meant for dogs. You can put a diaper on her to catch any bloody discharge. There are dog specific diapers online and at pets stores, or you can use one made of a human child. Just cut a hole in it for her tail. Hopefully this answers your question. If it doesn't, I'm sorry and ask you post again in the forum for free to it can get answered!

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I have a cat that as a kitten was very ill. We got him from 7 months old. We knew he’d had cat flu prior to him coming here. He is now nearly 5 yrs old. He picks huge fights with our other cat. He keeps urinating and scratching at doors and windows around the house. We allow him to go out via the cat flap unlimited. What is happening to him

I'm glad to see that Pippin has been neutered because this eliminates that possibility of hormone-fueled behavioral changes and aggression. Behavioral changes in cats can occur at any point in time, and could be related to anxiety or stressful situations (even rearranging furniture or introducing new people to the home can be stressful to cats). Without a lot more information and observing Pippin's behaviors, I can't precisely tell you why these changes are occurring. It may be best to consult a veterinary behaviorist in your home so that they can observe everything firsthand. You can also try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Feliway is one example), and discussing the use of anxiety medication with Pippin's vet. I hope that all goes well!

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Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

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Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

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Sorry to hear Marley isn't doing so well with his ears. It is not possible to tell from tge picture tve exact nature of the irritation but if it is indeed infected (typically red, hot, painful and smelly), he will need prescription medication from his regular vet. In the meantime I recommend gently cleaning tge outer war with cotton wool and a pet safe ear cleaner to reduce the build up of wax/discharge

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My dog vomited a pinkish colour. Does this look like blood vomit? She doesn’t have diarrhoea or anything else. Yesterday i fed her plain chicken with rice.

That is very red vomit, however, this color could be linked to a number of things including blood in the vomit, inflammation of the GI tract, having chewed on a toy this color, eaten a food item this color, or gotten into a plant or other item this color. If the vomiting continues, worsens, or other symptoms appear such as a painful or bloated abdomen, diarrhea or blood in the stool, or severe distress, I would schedule a veterinary appointment right away to rule out more severe issues. In the meantime I would continue the bland diet for 24 hours, and monitor for any additional vomiting or illness symptoms.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.