Behavior Modifying Drugs Flashcards
Drugs should be a first choice for what type of disorders
Anxiety related
NE and noradrenergic neurons affect
Locus coeruleus area of brainstem
Dopamine & dopaminergic neurons affect
Ventral tegmental area of midbrain
Serotonin & serotonergic nuclei affect
Raphe nucleus of brainstek
ACh is
Muscarinic blockade
GABA assc w/
GABA a receptor and allosteric modulators
Antispychotic drug examples (3)
- acepromazine
- prolixin ( acepromazine for horses)
- phenothiazine
MOA for antipsychotics
Blocks D2 dopamine receptors
Are antipsychotics registered in vet med
Yes, but extra-label for behavioral issues
3 classes of anxiolytics w/ examples
- benzodiazepines (diazepam)
- azapirones (buspirone)
- nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (zaleplon)
MOA of benzodiazepines
- +ve allosteric modulator of GABA-alpha receptor
- binds to benzodiazepine site on GABA-alpha receptor
- enhances action of GABA (Cl influx)
- inhibits release of monoamine NTs in CNS
Clinical uses of benzodiazepines in dogs
- Fears, phobias, generalized anxiety
- can combine w/ TCA
Benzodiazepine use in cats
Urine spraying, travel, generalized anxiety (like home changes)
Examples of benzodiazepine drugs (5)
- diazepam
- alprazolam
- clorazepate
- lorazepam
- oxazepam
Benzodiazepines usually have what endings?
- “pam”
- “pate”
- “lam”
Side effects of benzodiazepines
- Rare in cats, HEPATIC NECROSIS
- sedation, ataxia, muscle relax, increased appetite, paradoxal excitation, memory deficits
- disinhibition: hostility, aggression, rage, paroxysmal excitement, irritability, behavioral dis control
Benzodiazepines are a caution in what animals
K9s
How to avoid dependence on benzodiazepines
Tapering BZD dose 25% per week for a month
Are benzodiazepines good for long term use in dogs?
No
Main drug in tranquilizer class
Acepromazine
Uses of tranqulizers
- sedation/restraint
Side effects of tranquilizers
- hypotension
- CNS stimulation
- contradictory responses
Administration method for diazepam
IV
What drug has high hepatic clearance in k9s
Diazepam
Type of azapirone
Buspirone
Azapirone pros
- few side effects
- no disinhibition
- no dependence
- few drug interactions
Uses of buspirone in K9s and cats
- K9: generalized anxiety
- cats: modulate high arousal (urine spraying), anxiety
Buspirone is a full agonist at
Pre synaptic 5HT1A receptors causing serotonin release and synth
Time for Benzodiazepines to take effect
Weeks
3 nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics
- zaleplon
- eszopiclone
- zolpidem
Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics
- rapid effect
- short duration
- used to treat acute onset and severe thunderstorm phobia and separation anxiety
4 classes of antidepressants
- TCAs
- SSRIs
- MAOIs
- atypical antidepressants
Clomipramine is a
TCA antidepressant
Fluoxetine is a
SSRI antidepressant
Selegiline is a
MAOI antidepressant
Trazodone is an
Atypical antidepressant
MOA of TCAs
Inhibit serotonin and NE reuptake
Onset of action for TCAs
- slow
- 2 to 4 wks
Clinical use of TCAs in k9
Aggression, compulsive disorders, anxiety states
Clinical use of TCAs in cats
Aggression, urine spraying, excessive grooming, anxiety states, excessive vocalization
TCA side effects
- mild sedation & vomiting (anti-histamine)
- dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention (anti-cholinergic)
-lowers seizure threshold and potentiates seizures in predisposed animals
Overdose of TCAs
- fatal cardiac arrhythmias
- treat promptly
- monitor ecg & bp
- gastric lavage, activated charcoal, cathartics
