Use of Buspirone in Cats
Buspirone is an anti-depressant drug that's used to eliminate feline behavioral problems and treat abnormal pet behavior. Although the drug reduces anxiety in cats, it doesn't have muscle relaxant properties and doesn't benefit pets suffering from seizures. Certain pets exhibit abnormal behavior when they come across situations involving loud sounds, thunderstorms and unexpected situations. Buspirone is a drug that helps reduce anxiety and fear in cats.
Dosage Instructions for Cats
The dosage for cats is usually 5 mg twice a day, but your vet will provide dosage instructions tailored to your individual pet. After the initial period, the dosage may be increased according to individual cat needs. The duration of medication is based on the severity of the condition and the pet's response to the drug. Buspirone shouldn't be discontinued unless otherwise directed by the vet. Administration of the entire course of medication is necessary to prevent relapse or drug resistance.
Risks of Buspirone
- Buspirone shouldn't be administered to pets that have a known reaction or hypersensitivity to the drug.
- Since Buspirone may react with other medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and furazolidone it's necessary to inform the vet of any medications that the cat is receiving.
- Cats that are suffering from kidney or liver disease shouldn't be given buspirone as it causes adverse reactions.
- Side effects of buspirone in few pets include increased playfulness, increased aggression or agitation.
Potential Side Effects of Buspirone
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Loss of appetite
Type of Drug
Buspirone is a member of the class of drugs known as anxiolytics. These drugs are non-addictive and non-sedating medicines, used to effectively reduce anxiety. One of the symptoms of increased anxiety in pets is urine marking in cats. Buspirone may be prescribed as an 8 week course after which the medication may be discontinued. Often the symptom of urine marking in cats doesn't recur after the initial 8 week treatment. Although buspirone effectively reduces anxiety, the exact reaction of the drug in the cat's brain is not yet known.
Commercial Medication
Buspirone is commercially available as BuSpar or Buspirone HCl, commonly known as Buspirone Hydrochloride. BuSpar is available as tablets for oral administration in varying potencies of 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 30 mg. BuSpar tablets also contain inactive ingredients such as colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium starch glycolate.
Pet owners should conduct a vet check before using any ant-depressant medication on cats. It's important to read and follow package instructions. In addition, pets that have adverse reactions to the medication require prompt medical attention.