Lexapro Overdose in Dogs

While many owners want to help their dogs cope with separation anxiety, giving them human-grade medication isn't always the answer. The FDA has approved only a limited number of drugs for use in dogs, and it is important to know what those drugs are before you administer them to your pet. Lexapro overdose is dangerous but generally treatable.

  1. Lexapro Indications

    • Lexapro is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Serotonin is a chemical found naturally in the brain that helps the mood. These drugs are intended to inhibit the brain's uptake of serotonin to make the brain's natural supply last longer.

      Lexapro is one of many SSRIs used to treat depression and anxiety disorders in humans.

    No FDA Approval

    • While dogs can suffer from depression and separation anxiety, the Food and Drug Administration has approved far fewer synthetic drugs to treat the condition for canines. Lexapro, generic name escitalopram, has yet to gain FDA approval for use in dogs. This means that any dose of Lexapro, no matter how small, could adversely affect your dog.

    Symptoms

    • According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center, the ASPCA received over 2,200 calls concerning accidental ingestion of antidepressant medications in 2005. In an article titled "Antidepressant Drug Overdoses" in the Veterinary Technician Journal in 2005 by the ASPCA's Tina Wismer, DVM, DABVT and DABT, signs of a Lexapro overdose in your dog could include "lethargy or agitation, vomiting, ataxia, tremors, seizures, hypertension, and tachycardia." Ataxia is loss of muscle coordination, and tachycardia is a type of heart arrhythmia. These symptoms can begin to show in your dog anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour after ingestion of the drug.

    Treatment

    • Wismer writes that SSRIs generally have fewer effects on the heart than other classes of antidepressants. Dr. Wismer suggests that your vet empty your dog's stomach promptly after diagnosing an overdose. She also suggests fluid therapy to help regulate your dog's blood pressure. If treated correctly, your dog's symptoms should go away within 12 to 36 hours, Dr. Wismer writes.

    Other Considerations

    • If your dog ingests Lexapro in conjunction with other antidepressant drugs, a condition called serotonin syndrome could develop. Signs of serotonin syndrome include disorientation, agitation, depression and altered muscle tone. If your dog exhibits these symptoms, you may be looking at a multiple overdose. Contact your vet immediately.