Cat Seizure Medication Side Effects

Accidental ingestion of certain human prescription medications such as antidepressants and adhd medications can land many feline patients in the icu with seizures.

Cat seizure medication side effects.

Seizure medications have a variety of possible side effects. Levetiracetam is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat seizures and epilepsy. Though some veterinarians do use them to control seizures and epilepsy in cats there is not a lot known about how these medications affect cats on a long term basis and what types of side effects to expect. Common side effects of keppra include.

If side effects persist or seem severe notify your veterinarian. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The two most commonly used prescription anti seizure medications for pets are phenobarbital pb and potassium bromide kbr or k brovet potassium bromide. If a negative reaction occurs please call your veterinary.

This document contains side effect information about levetiracetam. This chemical is often used in over the counter flea treatments especially ones that are designed for dogs and can be toxic to cats. Diazepam is not used to prevent seizures in dogs because the effects last about 20 minutes. Infection neurosis drowsiness asthenia headache nasopharyngitis nervousness abnormal behavior aggressive behavior agitation anxiety apathy depersonalization depression.

Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name keppra. In most cases if a cat has one seizure he is likely to have another eventually. Seizures can also result from exposure to toxins like antifreeze ethylene glycol or the application of flea and tick medications intended for use only on dogs and not cats. Because of the stress on the liver that long term anticonvulsant use can cause the medicine is usually not given to cats whose seizures are more than two months apart.

Mild side effects are common particularly at the beginning of treatment or following changes in the regime. Cats with epilepsy can be given diazepam as well as pb and kbr because the effects last 20 hours. Most side effects are temporary and disappear as the cat becomes used to the medication. Common side effects include sleepiness and incoordination in dogs and decreased appetite incoordination drooling and sleepiness in cats.

Flea and tick medication sprays dips and shampoos can contain a chemical called pyrethrin that can cause a cat to have a seizure. Medications such as chlorazepate pregabalin and gabapentin have not been well studied in cats. The following is a list of potential side effects of different classes of seizure medications. Also most anti seizure medications can induce suicidal thoughts or actions and or bring on or worsen depression.

The most common side effect is sedation or lethargy but other signs can also occur. The most common cause of a seizure in a cat is toxin exposure. However not every cat that has recurring seizures will be put on long term medication.