Lucas is now officially o prozac :(

Hello everybody:

As you all know I've tried everything to help my Lucas,  special diets, natural and homeopatic medicines, medicines like Atopica and the steroids and nothing is helping LUcas's skin problems.  He has discoid Lupus and he is FIV +, so the vet told me the only choice we have is to put him on Prozac, well at first he prescribed Clomicalm, but I was unable to find it in the vets and pharmacies,  so the vet opted for Prozac. I decided to do it because i don't have a choice, I don't know what else to do to help Lucas, since we moved he has been getting worse, if you all see him now, you would probably faint.

He is on 2.5mg of Prozac and I have to take him back to the vet in 4 weeks to see how he is doing and to adjust the dose.  He has been on it for just two days, of course I'm worried about side effects and all that so I'm watching him closely,  I know it takes time for it to work and I just pray to God that it works because if it doesn't I have no idea what to do next.

Tammy

I know this was a tough decision for you Tammy, and not one you took lightly. Hopefully the Prozac will help poor Lucas get back to his former self.

pushylady said:

I know this was a tough decision for you Tammy, and not one you took lightly. Hopefully the Prozac will help poor Lucas get back to his former self.

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Yes, exactly my thoughts.  I know you'll keep us posted. 

Have you seen any side effects? If not, that is a good sign. Just remember not to stress yourself out about it, because I have cats on medications many times and God knows I've drove myself crazy looking for side effects. Just keep Lucas comfortable, and give him lots of love. If you see any reactions to the medication, notify your vet ASAP. Prayers and vibes to Lucas and you

Thank you all.  Lucas has been on it for only 3 days, so far I haven't seen any bad side effects, the only thing I've noticed is that he is sleepy and eating a little less, but he hasn't been vomiting, having diarrhea.  Im watching closely for any future effects and I'm trying to stay positive.  Since he has been sleepy he hasn't been scratching as usual, so he is looking a little bit better.

I will keep everybody posted, thank you all!

Tammy

Ok, Lucas is having some side effects from the prozac, he is not eating well, ha ate today, but not as much as he normally eats and he didn't drink enough water.  I'm worried, I'll see how he does tomorrow, he has to eat more.  I'm hoping this is just temporary, but he is also sleepink too much.

Ring your vet and discuss this with them. 

However these are not the side effects I found listed - they are "Side effects that may occur include rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat."

Nor are they the symptoms of overdose: "Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, fever, sleepiness, rapid or uneven heartbeat, panting and irritability, confusion, fainting, seizures, and coma."

It might be what happens when a cat that has been driven demented finally calms down and starts catching up on his sleep?

I think it might definitely be the medication. Prozac can cause loss of appetite and fatigue in humans, so I have no doubt it would do the same in cats. I wouldn't worry though, just try to get him to eat as much as possible and let him rest. If it doesn't improve I would call your vet. Good vibes for you and Lucas.

The sedation and appetite loss are likely temporary, as his body adjusts to the medicine. I know what you and Lucas have been through and what it took for you to finally try this medication.

But now the hard part is waiting through the initial adjustment period. You've got to give it time to help, and give his body time to adjust to it. As long as there are no severe issues such as vomiting or diarrhea which can cause dehydration, or rashes or swellings, etc, keep plugging away. Stay in touch with your vet of course, but...hang in there, once he gets used to it, himself will be back, and probably better than ever as he stops self mutilating.

Lucas :heart3:

Here is some useful info on this medication

http://www.1800petmeds.com/Fluoxetine-prod10489.html

Well, at least he ate a little this morning, but he doesn't want the Natural Balance anymore, I gave him a little canned z/d and he ate it, but it was just a little.  Im also giving him a vitamin that the vet prescribed because Lucas is a little anemic, but he is a little happier and active today.  Yesterday he slept all day and he kept making a sound when he slept, like he was in pain, I was scared, but now he is not doing that.

I do see a difference in Lucas's skin though, it isn't as red, we'll see what happens.

Tammy

Prayers and vibes for little Lucas.
It's good that he is eating a bit more. When my kitties are sick and don't have much of an appetite, I either boil some chicken or open a can of tuna for them (not the best thing for them, but at least they're eating). You might wanna try that, or buy some catmilk from your local pet store. My cats eat that only when they will eat nothing else.
As for the sleepiness, I think once his body adjusts, he will be back to normal. Don't worry too much and give Lucas lots of lovin'.

Well done on keeping up with the medication in spite of  Lucas' drowsiness. It sounds like the vet is giving you a good dosage amount for him because he's reacted predictably by being sleepy, as otto said while his body adjusts to the medication, but he's already acting a little more like his active self.  It can work wonders if it's the right medication for a cat.
 

Aw Tammy....

I remember when we finally made the decision to put Spooky on elavil. It made her sleepy for about three weeks, and then, she adjusted to it. :nod: Hang in there hun. If this works for Lucas, it will be such a blessing.

Thank you all so much for the words of support.  Lucas did better today, in fact he was finally hungry like an hour ago and he ate half a can of food.  He is still sleeping too much and drinking less than normal. 

He was looking pretty good and not red at all, but then I took him to my room to sleep and he got all red and scratched a little, not much, but I can tell now that anything that upsets him causes him to get red and scratch his body.

My poor baby, I love him sooooo much that I'm doing everything in my power to get him better.

Tammy

Tammy, check this medication for his wounds - I get it from my vet, and it helps Bugsy a GREAT deal. It has tetracaine, so it numbs the wounds stopping the itch - he doesn't feel the urge to scratch, in addition to the healing properties of the antibiotics and anti-inflammatory. It is ok if he licks.... It is a powder, and it helps to dry the wounds fast - here you go (prescription only):

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=10024

Also, this is the collar I am using on Bugsy now - it is helping.... Sentry Good Behavior Cat Collar.

These, in addition to the Prozac, should help him.....
Neo Predef is really fantastic - I would really looking into it. It is NOT going to make him calmer - but it will make him stop scratching the same wound over and over again, which is a great thing!
As I told you on FB, Bugsy started injuring himself recently pretty badly, and with a bunch of things I did together, he is not ALL better - he is still licking himself a lot.... But he is MUCH better... The wounds are healed, and he is no longer bleeding and cutting himself all over the place. It got scared for a little while there!

Hope this helps you -
Hugs!

I will definitely get that collar for Lucas Carolina, thank you!   I will discuss the medicine with the vet in my next appointment if Lucas gets more wounds, because it seems they are healing and he has stopped bitting himself, I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that one, you never now, but I will keep it in mind, it looks like a great product for the skin, and Im glad it is helping Bugsy

Thank you so much Carolina!

Hugs, tammy