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Medication

SSRI and Other Antidepressant Medications

Contact a vet or poison line straight away, even for a single tablet, as small doses can cause serotonin syndrome.

SevereDogsCats

What to do right now

  1. 1.Identify the exact medication and strength from the packaging
  2. 2.Note how many tablets are missing and when they were likely taken
  3. 3.Phone your veterinary practice or a poison control service immediately
  4. 4.Do not attempt to make the animal vomit unless instructed

Symptoms

  • Agitation and vocalising
  • Tremors
  • Dilated pupils
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Seizures in severe cases

Details

Category
Medication
Toxicity
Severe
Species affected
Dogs, Cats
Routes of exposure
Chewing through a pill bottle or eating dropped tablets, most often from a person's bedside table or handbag
Urgency
Contact a vet or poison line straight away, even for a single tablet, as small doses can cause serotonin syndrome.

Veterinary treatment

Excess serotonin can cause serotonin syndrome with hyperthermia, tremors and seizures. Treatment may include decontamination, sedation and active cooling.

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