What are the side effects of gabapentin in cats? Some older cats will stay on it for the rest of their life as part of a management plan for arthritis pain. There is no maximum time for a cat to remain on gabapentin. This is why it is usually given two to three times a day. The effects of gabapentin wear off quickly unless the cat has kidney or liver disease. When used to treat seizures gabapentin may take a few weeks to reduce seizure frequency. While your vet is titrating up the dosage, they will be using other medications to keep your cat comfortable until the gabapentin is working. However, when gabapentin is used to treat pain, a low dosage is started initially, which is then titrated up slowly, which means it may take longer to see an effect. Gabapentin is quick acting, and an effect should be noticed one to two hours after administration when used to relieve situational anxiety. Higher dosages may be prescribed occasionally by your vet. Some cats may be prescribed 10mg per pound every 6 hours. For seizures, it is 2.5 to 5mg per pound every 8 to 12 hours. The usual dosages for pain in cats are 1.5 to 5mg per pound every 12 hours. How much gabapentin should I give my cat?ĭosages of gabapentin for cats can vary depending on their age, weight, and what health issue they are suffering from. Gabapentin resembles a naturally occurring inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), which is involved with the transmission of nerve signals within the brain and spinal cord. How does gabapentin work in cats?Įxperts aren’t sure exactly how gabapentin works to relieve pain, anxiety, or feline hypersensitivity syndrome but it is thought to inhibit the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. Using gabapentin in cats and other pets is considered “off-label” which means it is not an FDA-approved indication in pets. Gabapentin can also help manage seizures in cats, in addition to other medications. This is an area of extreme sensitivity on a cat's skin, which is almost always on the back, typically in the area right in front of the tail. It can help manage feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
Gabapentin is commonly used as a mild sedative to treat situational anxiety, for example, just before a vet visit, or for cats who are fearful around people or other animals. It may be used to treat pain associated with intervertebral disk disease. Gabapentin can reduce chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis or cancer. Mild sedation and lethargy are the most common side effects but these tend to get better with continued dosing.
It has a low risk of side effects when taken at the correct dosage. Gabapentin is safe for cats and is commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat pain, anxiety, and feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
0 kommentar(er)
