Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and treatment of SSRI poisoning in 33 cats
By Pugh, Cassandra M et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2013·Department of Emergency and Critical Care·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) toxicosis in cats: 33 cases (2004-2010).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 33 cats was treated after ingesting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are medications often used for depression. About 24% of these cats showed symptoms like sedation, gastrointestinal issues, and increased heart rate. Most of the symptomatic cats received supportive care, including IV fluids and medications to help with their symptoms, and all of them recovered fully. The prognosis for cats that ingest SSRIs is generally very good, especially with prompt veterinary care.
People also search for: cat SSRI poisoning symptoms · cat sedation after medication · treatment for cat drug ingestion
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a population of cats with selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) toxicosis and characterize the population affected, list products ingested, the clinical signs observed, treatments performed, length of hospitalization, patient outcome, and overall prognosis. DESIGN: Retrospective study from 2004 to 2010. SETTING: Referral veterinary center. ANIMALS: Thirty-three witnessed cat SSRI ingestions. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The medical records of cats with a witnessed SSRI ingestion identified by review of an animal poison control center electronic database were evaluated. The most common SSRIs ingested were venlafaxine (Effexor; 12/33; 36%), fluoxetine (Prozac; 12/33; 36%), citalopram (Celexa; 6/33; 18%), and escitalopram (Lexapro; 3/33; 9%). Overall, 24% of cats (8/33) became symptomatic, while 76% (25/33) remained asymptomatic. Of the symptomatic cats, sedation was the most common clinical sign (6/8; 75%), followed by gastrointestinal signs (4/8; 50%), central nervous system stimulation (1/8; 13%), cardiovascular signs (1/8; 13%), and hyperthermia (1/8; 13%). Veterinary care was sought in 20 cats (20/33; 61%). Sixteen cats (16/20; 80%) were hospitalized, while 4 cats (4/20; 20%) were treated as outpatients. Treatment for hospitalized patients included administration of IV fluid therapy (14/16; 88%), activated charcoal (12/16; 75%), anti-arrhythmic agents (7/16; 44%), methocarbamol (6/16; 38%), cyproheptadine (6/16; 38%), anti-emetics (5/16; 31%), and sedation (5/16; 31%). Diagnostics included blood work (7/16; 44%), blood pressure measurement (3/16; 19%), and electrocardiogram monitoring (2/16; 13%). Mean hospitalization time for all cases of SSRI ingestion was 14.6 ± 7.8 hours (n = 16). All symptomatic cats in this study (8/8; 100%) had resolution of clinical signs and survived to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis for SSRI ingestion in this population of cats was excellent. Decontamination and supportive care for at least 12-24 hours can be considered in cats with SSRI ingestion, particularly venlafaxine to monitor resolution of clinical signs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24016243/