The Side Effects of Buprenex in Cats

Buprenorphine is a painkiller that goes by the brand name Buprenex®. This medication is a synthetic opiate commonly compared to morphine; however, Buprenex is 30 times more potent than morphine, according to Dr. Dawn Ruben on PetPlace.com. Buprenex relieves pain by decreasing nerve responses to pain in the spinal cord and brain. For a cat in severe pain, Buprenex might be a welcome relief in pain management. Buprenex is considered safe, but is highly addictive and has warnings and side effects.

  1. Sedation

    • The most common side effect of Buprenex is sedation. Cats taking Buprenex may become listless and spend most of their time sleeping. On rare occasions, Buprenex may actually slow the feline's breathing patterns. Because of its opiate properties, Ruben cautions Buprenex should not be mixed with other medications such as "antihistamines, tranquilizers, barbiturates and monoamine oxidase inhibitors."

    Liver Damage

    • The liver metabolizes Buprenex, and felines with compromised liver function such as liver disease may not be able to metabolize Buprenex effectively. The medication might place extra stress on the already weakened organ and may not be the best choice in pain relief for cats with liver illness.

    Allergies

    • Cats suffer from allergic reactions to certain substances, just like humans. There is a possibility that the feline may be allergic to the ingredients in Buprenex, and Ruben warns it should not be prescribed to any cat that is hypersensitive or allergic to the medication.

    Warnings

    • Buprenex's sedative properties are harmful to cats suffering from suppressed thyroid gland function and Addison's disease. Buprenex should not be used in cats that have kidney disease, have suffered some form of head trauma or have a limited or taxed cardiovascular system. Severely ill or senior cats should not take Buprenex.