Cat Seizure Medication Side Effects

The following is a list of potential side effects of different classes of seizure medications.

Cat seizure medication side effects. This document contains side effect information about levetiracetam. 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 include sleepiness and incoordination in dogs and decreased appetite incoordination drooling and sleepiness in cats. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name keppra.

Accidental ingestion of certain human prescription medications such as antidepressants and adhd medications can land many feline patients in the icu with seizures. Do not use levetiracetam in pets that are allergic to it. Levetiracetam is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat seizures and epilepsy. Common side effects of keppra include.

Medications such as chlorazepate pregabalin and gabapentin have not been well studied in cats. Cats with epilepsy can be given diazepam as well as pb and kbr because the effects last 20 hours. Mild side effects are common particularly at the beginning of treatment or following changes in the regime. The most common cause of a seizure in a cat is toxin exposure.

If side effects persist or seem severe notify your veterinarian. 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. Give as directed by your veterinarian. 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.

Most side effects are temporary and disappear as the cat becomes used to the medication. Flea and tick medication sprays dips and shampoos can contain a chemical called pyrethrin that can cause a cat to have a seizure. The most common side effect is sedation or lethargy but other signs can also occur. If a negative reaction occurs please call your veterinary.

This chemical is often used in over the counter flea treatments especially ones that are designed for dogs and can be toxic to cats. The two most commonly used prescription anti seizure medications for pets are phenobarbital pb and potassium bromide kbr or k brovet potassium bromide. Diazepam is not used to prevent seizures in dogs because the effects last about 20 minutes. In most cases if a cat has one seizure he is likely to have another eventually.

Cats who experience frequent seizures and those who are diagnosed with epilepsy are typically prescribed an anticonvulsant medication most commonly a drug called phenobarbital. If the phenobarbital medication is not making a significant change in the frequency and severity of the seizure activity an additional drug such as diazepam or. Also most anti seizure medications can induce suicidal thoughts or actions and or bring on or worsen depression.