Behaviour modifying drugs Flashcards
Most behaviour modifying drugs target what?
Neurotransmitters:
Norepinephrine
Dopamine
GABA
Acetylcholine
Serotonin
Drug classes the increase ___________ activity may produce a decrease in _________
serotonergic activity
Decrease in aggression
What class of drugs can be effective against stereotypies?
TCA’s (Tricyclic anidepressants), SSRI’s (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors), and Opioid antagonists can be beneficial.
What class of drugs would be effective against fear/anxiety?
Anxiolytics
How long do you treat animals with behaviour problems?
Treatment varies with individual, drug class, owners.
Most patients are long term drug therapy.
Ideally - gradually decrease dose based on individual response. ID lowest effective dose.
What happens if you think the drug does not work?
- clinical response take time. 5 half lives before steady state. Modification of receptor system take TIME.
- Can modify dose
- Combine with other drugs
- Switch drug class
Does transdermal drug therapy work?
Poor/variable drug levels and efficacy.
Useful for animals that are challenging to medicate.
What are the pharmacokinetics of psychotropic drugs?
Many behaviour drugs are weak bases
CNS penetration is generally very good
Metabolized by the liver
Half lives vary.
What are the anxiolytics in vet med?
How do they work?
Used in what scenario?
Benzodiazepines.
Work through potentiating the GABA-A receptor. Central muscle relaxation, sedation, seizure suppression.
Use in Fear and anxiety problems.
What is possible with Benzodiazepines?
Disinhibition possible - caution or avoid in cases of aggression.
Excitement and amnesia possible.
Hepatotoxicity in cats with diazepam.
Sedation, muscles relaxation, and ataxia, and hyperphagia.
What is Flumazenil?
Benzodiazepine antagonist
Reverse overdose effects of BZD/unwanted behaviours - for example excitement.
What are the anxiolytics?
Diazepam
Alprazolam
Lorazepam
Buspirone
What can you tell me about diazepam?
Short half life in dogs - longer in cats.
Can use chronically in cats.
Disappointing immediate effects.
When is Alprazolam used?
Higher potency BZD.
Use in dogs with panic disorders.
Lorazepam
Not extensively metabolized by the liver so you can use it in liver failure patients
Buspirone
Generalized anxiety.
Less sedation and side effects than other BZD.
How do Tricyclic antidepressants work?
TCAs inhibit the re-uptake of NE and 5-HT, increasing levels in the CNS.
Reduce high arousal and reduce anxiety.
As a group they possess cholinergic and adrenergic blocking effects. Responsible for ADR.
What are the TCAs?
Clomipramine - blocks 5-HT (serotonin) re-uptake. Approved in dogs.
Amitriptyline - Behaviour modification and pain. Inhibits 5-HT re-uptake. Used for calming.
What are SSRIs?
Antidepressants.
Excellent food safety.
What are the SSRIs?
Fluoxetine
Blocks 5-HT re-uptake.
Paroxetine
Sertraline
What are the opiate antagonists?
Naltrexone
Used for stereotypies.
What is acepromazine and chlorpromazine used for?
Noise and thunderstorm phobia.
Produces sedation.
What is a progestin used?
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo provera)
Why are pheromones used?
Adaptil and Feliway
Pheromone extracts of intermammary sebaceous tissue or facial pheromones
Indicated for stress and fear related to transport, boarding, new environment.
Produce a calming affect.
What are the anticonsulsants used?
Gabapentin
Trazadone and Dexmedetomidine are also used
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