ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/amitriptyline
US brand names:Elavil
Amitriptyline is dosed at 1–5 mg/kg PO q12-24h in african grey parrots, per 221. Desmarchelier MR. Clinical psychopharmacology for the exotic animal practitioner. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2021;24:17-35. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.471 doi:10.1016/j.cvex.2020.08.003 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.10 (Psychotropic and Antiepileptic Agents Used in Birds.a,b). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. 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 African Grey Parrot drugsAll Blue-and-Gold Macaw drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Green-cheeked Conure drugsAll Lovebird drugsAll Pet Rat 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 7 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). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.58, Amitriptyline monograph spanning p.58-61; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 1–4 mg/kg | q12h | Moderate |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.