ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/amitriptyline
US brand names:Elavil
Amitriptyline is dosed at 0.5–2 mg/kg PO q12-24h in cats, per Monteiro BP. Feline Chronic Pain and Osteoarthritis. Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 2020;50(4):769-788. Distributed by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.02.003 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.89 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Also has anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties.
Allow 2-4 weeks for behavioral effects. Sedation, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation. CONTRAINDICATED with MAOIs. Serotonin syndrome risk with tramadol. Cardiotoxic in overdose.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 0.5–2 mg/kg | q12-24h | Moderate | Monteiro BP. Feline Chronic Pain and Osteoarthritis. Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 2020;50(4):769-788. Distributed by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.02.003 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.89 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 1–4 mg/kg | q12-24h | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.