My 6-yr-old St. Bernard, Olympia, was diagnosed on Thursday w/larngeal collapse and we were told the only help was a permanent trach.
After researching this site and others, I read about Doxepin. My vet prescribed it that night (Olympia was also on a sedative and prednisone)…by Saturday I had reduced the pred and eliminated the sedative (something was giving her awful diarrhea) and by Monday she was breathing almost normally, sleeping a lot, but getting up, going outside, wagging her tail and demanding attention!
She is not 100 percent her old self, but she’s very far from death’s door, which is where she stood on Thursday. I think this drug is a miracle!
Anyway, I have not been able to find any information about the long-term prospects for dogs on doxepin. Will she be sleepy forever? Will it work for a long time?
What is the quality of life for dogs on doxepin?
Thanks for any help!
Valle
Hello Valle,
While I could not find any references to long term prospects for dogs on doxepin, here are some usage notes for the drug when prescribed by a veterinarian:
· Precautions and Side Effects
· While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, doxepin may cause unacceptable side effects in some animals.
· Doxepin should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
· Doxepin should not be used in animals with glaucoma or those with medical problems that are associated with urinary retention.
· Doxepin should be used with caution in seizure-prone animals.
· Side effects include: low blood pressure, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, constipation, and dry mouth.
· Doxepin sometimes turns urine blue-green in color.
· Doxepin may interact with some other medications. Consult your veterinarian to determine if other medications that your pet is receiving might adversely interact with doxepin. Such drugs include: monoamine oxidase inhibitors, thyroid medications, atropine, sedatives, antihistamines, norepinephrine, and phenytoin.
Let’s see if our pet pros have any answer to your question…….
Sincerely,
Taylor
Blog Administrator
http://www.vetlocator.com
Thanks again Taylor!
I’ll be eagerly checking for other responses.
My dog continues to do well and I really feel like she was pulled from the brink of death…I’m so happy!
best,
Valle
I’m not sure about dogs, but I’ve taken doxepin every day for 15 years. My doctor says it’s extremely safe and has no long term side effects.