Press Release

Accidental Pet Ingestions of Antidepressant Medications is on the Rise

The ASPCA Poison Control Center managed hundreds of animal cases in 2005.

February 2, 2006

ASPCA Media Contact

Urbana, Ill—In recent years, medical science has gained a better understanding of the causes of depression and other behavioral health issues in humans as well as animals. Because of these advances, more and more people and pets are getting help from prescription antidepressant medications. Unfortunately, a secondary result has been that more accidental animal exposures to these drugs are occurring.

As these medications can be potentially dangerous to pets, it is important for owners to be aware of the different antidepressants that can pose risks. For many antidepressants, the gap between the amount of medication that is helpful and the dose that can cause problems is very narrow, so the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following information on which medications are potentially harmful and how to keep pets safe from an unintentional ingestion.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - One of the most common types of antidepressants often prescribed to treat depression, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive and other disorders in humans. Over 67% of antidepressant cases received by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in 2005 involved TCAs.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) - Typically used to treat anxiety, depression, bulimia and certain other disorders in humans, and have also been prescribed to manage aggression, and anxiety in dogs and urine spraying in cats. This class of drug accounted for approximately 32% of all antidepressant cases in 2005.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) - Common medications used for the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, depression, anxiety, migraines and various phobias in humans. In veterinary medicine, MAOIs are also used to treat cognitive dysfunction and certain adrenal gland disorders in dogs. In 2005, MAOIs comprised about 1.5% of antidepressant calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

As with most medications, the majority of antidepressant overdoses in animals is accidental, and may frequently involve the consumption of multiple tablets. Others may occur as a result of pet owners inappropriately medicating their pets without the direction of a veterinarian.

Depending on the dose involved, common effects that can result from ingestions include lethargy, incoordination, vomiting and diarrhea and hyperactivity. Other signs, such as agitation, loss of appetite, tremors, drooling and abnormalities in blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, seizures, respiratory depression and coma are also possible. Because these signs can develop quickly - often within 30 minutes after ingestion - it is important that veterinary treatment be sought immediately if an accidental exposure or overdose occurs.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center strongly advises pet owners to never administer any drug without first consulting with a veterinarian, and to keep antidepressant and other medications well out of the reach of animals, preferably in a secure cabinet above the counter. It is critical for owners to understand that even child-proof containers are not effective in preventing accidental drug exposures in pets, as dogs and other animals can easily chew open a bottle or vial.

If you suspect your pet may have ingested an antidepressant medication or other potentially harmful substance, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) for immediate assistance.

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About the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Established in 1978, the APCC is the only 24-hour, 365-day facility of its kind staffed by 30 veterinarians, 12 of who are board-certified toxicologists/veterinary toxicologists. Located in Urbana, Ill., the specially trained staff provides assistance to pet owners, and specific diagnostic and treatment recommendations to veterinarians pertaining to toxic chemicals and dangerous plants, products or substances. In 2006, the center handled over 116,000 cases. The APCC also provides extensive veterinary toxicology consulting on a wide array of subjects, including legal cases, formulation issues, product liability, and regulatory reporting. For more information on potentially dangerous substances in the home or to reach the APCC, please call (888) 426-4435 or visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

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