DM4 Pt4-6 Psychotropic medication Flashcards
What are the main benefits of psychotropic medication in behavior modification for cats?
They relieve anxiety, lower emotional arousal, and support positive learning and responses to triggers.
When might psychotropic medications be used as a cornerstone in treatment?
In chronic emotional disorders, when exposure to triggers is unavoidable, or when a cat has high sustained emotional arousal.
Why is medication sometimes necessary for behavior treatment in cats?
To preserve safety, improve welfare, and support the human-cat bond, especially when other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Why should psychotropic medication be part of a behavior modification plan?
Medications like TCAs and SSRIs enhance positive learning but are more effective alongside environmental and behavioral management.
What medical evaluations are required before starting psychotropic medication?
Physical exams and biochemistry tests (e.g., liver and kidney function) to rule out medical causes and ensure safe medication use.
What patient conditions are challenging to manage without medications?
Cognitive decline, severe anxieties, and repetitive behaviors.
Why is informed client consent important when prescribing psychotropic medications?
Most medications are used “extra label” (not licensed for cats), making consent essential for off-label use.
What are key factors to monitor during drug therapy for behavior modification?
Efficacy, physical health, caregiver support, and regular follow-up exams.
Why may psychotropic medications be challenging for cats to take?
Cats often have low tolerance for chronic oral medications, which may cause distress.
How long might it take to observe the effects of psychotropic medication?
Effects may take days to weeks, so managing expectations is important.
What is a key consideration for long-term medication therapy in some cases?
Using the lowest effective dose, as in long-term management of urine spraying.
Why might older cats or those with systemic issues be more vulnerable to medications?
They may be more susceptible to adverse effects due to age or coexisting health conditions.
What factors influence the choice of medication for behavioral treatment in cats?
Behavioral diagnosis, cat’s health, environment, client goals, work schedules, and willingness to follow treatment.
Who is responsible for prescribing behavior-related medications in cats?
The veterinary behaviorist or referring veterinarian, with input from the pet behavior counselor.
Why should caregivers expect an extended treatment period for most behavioral medications?
Full behavioral changes may take weeks to months, with a minimum treatment period often between 4-9 months or longer.
How quickly can initial effects of SSRIs like fluoxetine be seen in cats?
Initial effects may be seen within the first week, with full effects after 4-8 weeks.
How long do the initial anti-anxiety effects of TCAs like amitriptyline or clomipramine take to appear?
Initial effects appear in 5-7 days, but more significant changes may take 4-6 weeks.
What is a recommended approach after a problem behavior is resolved with medication?
Continue drug therapy for 1-4 months, then gradually reduce the dose while monitoring.
Why should MAOIs like selegiline not be combined with SSRIs, TCAs, or SARIs?
Combining these can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.
Which medications are used for situational anxiety, such as vet visits or car trips?
Benzodiazepines (alprazolam, oxazepam, lorazepam), gabapentin, and trazodone, which have rapid onset times.
What is buspirone recommended for in inter-cat aggression cases?
For victims of aggression only, as it increases outgoing and assertive behaviors.
What medication is recommended for nonspecific anxieties or psychogenic alopecia in cats?
Amitriptyline (TCA), with effects seen in 5-7 days.
Which medication treats ritualistic behaviors associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder in cats?
Clomipramine (TCA), with initial effects in 5-7 days and full effect in 3-5 weeks.
What SSRI is used for social phobias, anxieties, and urine marking related to social interactions?
Paroxetine, with full effects in 6-8 weeks, often used to increase social confidence.
