alprazolam
Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety in cats and dogs. It helps them manage fear and stress from things like loud noises, vet visits, or travel. This medication is given by mouth — usually as a tablet or liquid — either daily or as needed. Veterinarians prescribe it off-label for pets, which means it's FDA-approved for humans but can still be used in animals with a vet’s guidance. The most common side effect is sleepiness or sedation.
What is Alprazolam for pets?
What is Alprazolam for pets used for?
Separation anxiety - fear or stress when left alone
Noise phobia - fear of loud sounds like fireworks or thunderstorms
Travel anxiety - nervousness or fear during car rides or trips
Situational stress - stress in specific situations, like going to the vet
How Alprazolam for pets works
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine. It works by boosting the effect of a natural calming chemical in the brain, helping to reduce feelings of fear, stress, and anxiety.
Drug Facts
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What are the risks and warnings for Alprazolam for pets?
Alprazolam can cause some serious health issues. This risk might be even higher for certain pets. If this worries you, talk to your veterinarian about other options.
Dangerously slow breathing
Risk factors: Taking alprazolam with other medications that slow breathing | High doses of alprazolam | Lung problems
Giving your pet alprazolam with other medications that cause slow breathing, like opioids, can lead to dangerous breathing problems. The risk is higher if your pet has lung problems or is taking a high dose. If you notice your pet is breathing slowly or having trouble breathing, call your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline right away.
Risk factors: High doses of alprazolam
Don’t give your pet more alprazolam than your veterinarian has prescribed. Taking too much medication can cause an overdose, which could be life-threatening. Signs of overdose include slowed breathing, trouble walking, balance problems, weakness, confusion, or vomiting. If you think your pet has had too much, contact a veterinarian or pet poison helpline right away.
Risk for withdrawal if suddenly stopped
Risk factors: Taking alprazolam for a long time
Pets that take alprazolam for a long time can develop dependence, meaning their body gets used to the medication. If it’s stopped too suddenly, they might go through withdrawal. Always talk to your veterinarian before changing the dose or stopping the medication. They might recommend slowly lowering the dose over time to keep your pet safe.
Aggression
Alprazolam can cause some pets to lose self-control. Even pets that have never been aggressive before might act aggressive while taking this medication. Watch your pet closely around children and other animals to help prevent injuries. Let your veterinarian know right away if your pet shows any signs of aggression like growling, snarling, or biting.
Liver problems
Risk factors: Cats
Another medication in the benzodiazepine class, diazepam, has rarely caused liver problems in cats. This hasn’t been reported with alprazolam, but it could still happen. Watch for signs of liver problems like yellowing of the eyes or gums, loss of appetite, or extreme tiredness, and contact your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.
What are the side effects of Alprazolam for pets?
Common Side Effects
- Sleepiness
- Low energy
- Changes in appetite
- Weakness
- Muscle relaxation
Other Side Effects
- Aggression
- Irritation
- Excitement
- Restlessness
Serious Side Effects
- Overdose (giving too much to your pet): slowed breathing, trouble walking, balance problems, weakness, confusion, vomiting
- Liver problems: yellowing of the whites of the eyes, yellowing of the gums, tiredness, low appetite
- Allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, facial swelling, hives
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Being forgetful
changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
clumsiness or unsteadiness
difficulty with coordination
discouragement
drowsiness
feeling sad or empty
irritability
lack of appetite
lightheadedness
loss of interest or pleasure
relaxed and calm
shakiness and unsteady walk
sleepiness
slurred speech
tiredness
trouble concentrating
trouble performing routine tasks
trouble sleeping
trouble speaking
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Blurred vision
body aches or pain
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles, or tingling feelings
changes in behavior
chills
clay-colored stools
confusion about identity, place, and time
dark urine
decrease in frequency of urination
decrease in urine volume
difficult or labored breathing
difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
difficulty with concentration
difficulty with moving
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
ear congestion
environment seems unreal
fainting
fear or nervousness
feeling of unreality
feeling warm
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
hyperventilation
inability to move the eyes
inability to sit still
increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
irregular heartbeats
itching or rash
joint pain
lack or loss of self-control
loss of bladder control
loss of coordination
loss of memory
loss of voice
mood or mental changes
muscle aches, cramps, pain, stiffness, or weakness
need to keep moving
problems with memory
restlessness
runny or stuffy nose
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
seizures
sense of detachment from self or body
shaking
shivering
sticking out of the tongue
stomach pain
sweating
swollen joints
talkativeness
tightness in the chest
trouble with balance
twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs
unpleasant breath odor
unusual dullness or feeling of sluggishness
unusual facial expressions
unusually deep sleep
unusually long duration of sleep
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes or skin
Rare
Actions that are out of control
attack, assault, or force
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
decreased awareness or responsiveness
deep or fast breathing with dizziness
ear pain
false or unusual sense of well-being
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
feeling jittery
feeling unusually cold
generalized slowing of mental and physical activity
hearing loss
hoarseness
lack of feeling or emotion
loss of control of the legs
loss of strength or energy
nightmares
numbness of the feet, hands, and around mouth
severe sleepiness
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
sleep talking
swelling
talking, feeling, and acting with excitement
thoughts of killing oneself
uncaring
unusual weak feeling
voice changes
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Confusion
loss of consciousness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
decreased appetite
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
decreased sexual performance or desire abnormal ejaculation
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
inability to have or keep an erection
increased appetite
increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
increased interest in sexual intercourse
increased weight
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
stopping of menstrual bleeding
watering of the mouth
Less common
Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
change in taste bad unusual or unpleasant (after) taste
cracked, dry, or scaly skin
double vision
feeling of warmth
menstrual changes
pelvic pain
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
seeing double
stomach bloating and cramping
sudden sweating
unexplained runny nose or sneezing
Rare
Acid or sour stomach
belching
bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)
change in color vision
difficulty seeing at night
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling of relaxation
hives or welts
increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
indigestion
redness of the skin
sensation of spinning
stomach discomfort or upset
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
red, irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Alprazolam for pets
Pros
Works quickly (within 1 to 2 hours)
Helpful for short-term or situational stress
Available as a tablet or liquid
Cons
Is a controlled substance
Risk of dependence with frequent use
Some pets might have unusual responses like restlessness or excitement
Pharmacist tips for Alprazolam for pets
You can give your pet alprazolam with or without food. If your pet vomits after taking it, try giving the next dose with food or a treat. If your pet still vomits, contact your veterinarian.
If you’re giving Alprazolam before something stressful, like a vet visit or car ride, give it 30 to 60 minutes before the event. This gives the medication time to work.
If your pet takes Alprazolam every day, don’t stop suddenly. Stopping it too quickly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your vet about how to safely stop this medication.
For the liquid form of alprazolam, always use a syringe to measure the dose. Don’t use kitchen spoons — they come in different sizes and can give the wrong amount.
For the orally disintegrating (ODT) form of alprazolam, make sure your hands are completely dry before touching the tablet. Wet hands can cause it to melt too early.
While alprazolam usually makes pets sleepy, some pets might get more excited instead. If your pet acts unusually energetic or restless, let your vet know.
Keep alprazolam in a secure place. It’s a controlled medication and should be stored safely to avoid misuse or accidental use.
Watch for signs that your pet has had too much alprazolam, like slow breathing, trouble walking, vomiting, or extreme tiredness. If you notice any of these symptoms, get emergency help right away.
Frequently asked questions about Alprazolam for pets
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Alprazolam dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30ml of 1mg/ml | 1 bottle | $97.23 | $97.23 |
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 orally disintegrating tablets of 0.25mg | 3 dose packs | $14.46 | $4.82 |
| 10 orally disintegrating tablets of 0.5mg | 3 dose packs | $20.34 | $6.78 |
| 10 orally disintegrating tablets of 1mg | 3 dose packs | $19.41 | $6.47 |
| 10 orally disintegrating tablets of 2mg | 3 dose packs | $21.71 | $7.24 |
Typical dosing for Alprazolam for pets
Dogs: The typical dose is 0.02 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg of body weight given by mouth every 6 to 12 hours as needed.
Cats: The typical dose is 0.125 mg to 0.25 mg by mouth every 8 to 12 hours as needed.
Interactions between Alprazolam and other drugs for pets
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Boceprevir
- Clarithromycin
- Cobicistat
- Conivaptan
- Flumazenil
- Idelalisib
- Indinavir
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Lopinavir
- Nefazodone
- Nelfinavir
- Posaconazole
- Saquinavir
- Telaprevir
- Telithromycin
- Voriconazole
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abametapir
- Acepromazine
- Alfentanil
- Amiodarone
- Amobarbital
- Amprenavir
- Anileridine
- Aprepitant
- Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil
- Asenapine
- Atazanavir
- Baclofen
- Benperidol
- Benzhydrocodone
- Bromazepam
- Bromopride
- Buprenorphine
- Buspirone
- Butabarbital
- Butalbital
- Butorphanol
- Calcium Oxybate
- Cannabidiol
- Carbamazepine
- Carbinoxamine
- Carisoprodol
- Carphenazine
- Ceritinib
- Cetirizine
- Chloral Hydrate
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Chlorpromazine
- Chlorzoxazone
- Cimetidine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Clobazam
- Clonazepam
- Clorazepate
- Clozapine
- Codeine
- Crizotinib
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Cyclosporine
- Dantrolene
- Darunavir
- Dasabuvir
- Delavirdine
- Dexmedetomidine
- Diacetylmorphine
- Diazepam
- Dichloralphenazone
- Difenoxin
- Digoxin
- Dihydrocodeine
- Diltiazem
- Diphenhydramine
- Diphenoxylate
- Domperidone
- Doxylamine
- Dronedarone
- Droperidol
- Elagolix
- Enflurane
- Erythromycin
- Esketamine
- Estazolam
- Eszopiclone
- Ethchlorvynol
- Ethopropazine
- Ethylmorphine
- Fentanyl
- Flibanserin
- Fluconazole
- Flunitrazepam
- Fluphenazine
- Flurazepam
- Fluspirilene
- Fluvoxamine
- Fosamprenavir
- Fosaprepitant
- Fosnetupitant
- Fospropofol
- Gabapentin
- Gabapentin Enacarbil
- Halazepam
- Halothane
- Hexobarbital
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Hydroxyzine
- Imatinib
- Isoflurane
- Ivacaftor
- Ketamine
- Ketazolam
- Ketobemidone
- Larotrectinib
- Lemborexant
- Letermovir
- Levocetirizine
- Levorphanol
- Lofexidine
- Lomitapide
- Lorazepam
- Loxapine
- Magnesium Oxybate
- Meclizine
- Melperone
- Meperidine
- Mephenesin
- Mephobarbital
- Meprobamate
- Meptazinol
- Mesoridazine
- Metaxalone
- Methadone
- Methdilazine
- Methocarbamol
- Methohexital
- Methotrimeprazine
- Methylene Blue
- Metoclopramide
- Mibefradil
- Midazolam
- Mifepristone
- Mirtazapine
- Molindone
- Moricizine
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Nalbuphine
- Netupitant
- Nicomorphine
- Nilotinib
- Nitrazepam
- Nitrous Oxide
- Olanzapine
- Opium
- Opium Alkaloids
- Orphenadrine
- Oxazepam
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Palbociclib
- Papaveretum
- Paregoric
- Pentazocine
- Pentobarbital
- Perampanel
- Perazine
- Periciazine
- Perphenazine
- Phenobarbital
- Pimozide
- Piperacetazine
- Piperaquine
- Pipotiazine
- Piritramide
- Potassium Oxybate
- Prazepam
- Pregabalin
- Primidone
- Prochlorperazine
- Promazine
- Promethazine
- Propofol
- Quazepam
- Quetiapine
- Ramelteon
- Ranitidine
- Ranolazine
- Remifentanil
- Remimazolam
- Remoxipride
- Ritonavir
- Scopolamine
- Secobarbital
- Sertindole
- Sodium Oxybate
- Sufentanil
- Sulpiride
- Suvorexant
- Tapentadol
- Temazepam
- Thiethylperazine
- Thiopental
- Thiopropazate
- Thioridazine
- Tilidine
- Tizanidine
- Tolonium Chloride
- Topiramate
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Triazolam
- Trifluoperazine
- Trifluperidol
- Triflupromazine
- Trimeprazine
- Verapamil
- Voxelotor
- Zaleplon
- Zolpidem
- Zopiclone
- Zotepine
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Fluoxetine
- Kava
- Rifapentine
- Roxithromycin
- Sertraline
- St John's Wort
- Theophylline
- Troleandomycin
How much does Alprazolam cost?
Alprazolam contraindications for pets
Pets with an allergy to benzodiazepines
What are alternatives to Alprazolam for pets?
Separation anxiety - fear or stress when left alone
Noise phobia - fear of loud sounds like fireworks or thunderstorms
Travel anxiety - nervousness or fear during car rides or trips
Situational stress - stress in specific situations, like going to the vet
Separation anxiety in cats and dogs
Other behavior problems in dogs (anxiety related to noise, compulsive behavior, aggression)
Muscle cramps caused by low serotonin in Scottish Terriers (Scottie cramp)
Other behavior problems in cats (urine marking, aggression)
Situational anxiety in cats and dogs, such as going to the vet or groomer
General anxiety in cats and dogs, such as separation anxiety or cage confinement after surgery
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