Cats who experience frequent seizures and those who are diagnosed with epilepsy are typically prescribed an anticonvulsant medication most commonly a drug called phenobarbital.
Cat seizure medication side effects.
The two most commonly used prescription anti seizure medications for pets are phenobarbital pb and potassium bromide kbr or k brovet potassium bromide.
This chemical is often used in over the counter flea treatments especially ones that are designed for dogs and can be toxic to cats.
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.
If side effects persist or seem severe notify your veterinarian.
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.
This document contains side effect information about levetiracetam.
Accidental ingestion of certain human prescription medications such as antidepressants and adhd medications can land many feline patients in the icu with seizures.
Cats with epilepsy can be given diazepam as well as pb and kbr because the effects last 20 hours.
However not every cat that has recurring seizures will be put on long term medication.
Medications such as chlorazepate pregabalin and gabapentin have not been well studied in cats.
Do not use levetiracetam in pets that are allergic to it.
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.
Common side effects include sleepiness and incoordination in dogs and decreased appetite incoordination drooling and sleepiness in cats.
Mild side effects are common particularly at the beginning of treatment or following changes in the regime.
The following is a list of potential side effects of different classes of seizure medications.
Levetiracetam is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat seizures and epilepsy.
Give as directed by your veterinarian.
The most common cause of a seizure in a cat is toxin exposure.
If a negative reaction occurs please call your veterinary.
Flea and tick medication sprays dips and shampoos can contain a chemical called pyrethrin that can cause a cat to have a seizure.
Seizure medications have a variety of possible side effects.
In most cases if a cat has one seizure he is likely to have another eventually.
Common side effects of keppra include.
Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name keppra.
Also most anti seizure medications can induce suicidal thoughts or actions and or bring on or worsen depression.
Infection neurosis drowsiness asthenia headache nasopharyngitis nervousness abnormal behavior aggressive behavior agitation anxiety apathy depersonalization depression.
Most side effects are temporary and disappear as the cat becomes used to the medication.
