Weaning Off Phenobarbital - Any Experience?

[FrankieNMurphy]

Hi fellow cat lovers:
I have a question. My new vet wasn't thrilled with my cat being on Phenobarbital for an old urinary tract blockage and wants to put him on Prozac. No way am I putting him on that! I need to wean him off and wondered if anyone had any experience and (non) medical advice, what to look out for, etc.
Thanks for your help!

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi! I'm not a member who has experience with this, but I was wondering, is the blockage cleared? Why is your vet suggesting prozac?

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi there! Don't understand either drug for an old urinary tract blockage. Please tell us more history. Thanks!

 

[FrankieNMurphy]

Well, he was cleared of the blockage years ago, but with the occasional out-of-the-box peeing (on me in bed!) the vet put him on Phenobarbital. He was fine on it, but my new vet wants him to change to Prozac to eliminate the peeing on me. But what I have done, is place a very light sheet of plastic over the bed at night (behavior mod) and he hasn't peed since. So, not gonna use the Prozac.

 

[FeebysOwner]

I think what you're doing with the plastic appears to be working, so yeah I too would stop the drugs!!

You can ask the vet about the best approach for weaning him off of it. And, just let the vet know you want to try no drugs for a while to see what happens.

Once that is done, I hope there are no adverse affects with him!!! Keeping my fingers crossed!!

 

[FrankieNMurphy]

FebysOwner: Thank you for your support! Yes, gradual weaning is best as this is a psychotropic drug. He's on a full dose until next week, then 1/2 for 2 weeks, then 1/2 every other day, then 1/4 until it runs out.
I wonder if his personality and activity will change?

 

[FeebysOwner]

Unless his personality changed after being on phenobarbital, it probably won't change after he is off of it. But, then again, he was having other issues at that time, so I am sure you really don't know for sure.

Is he rather subdued now? If so, could stay that way because that is just his personality - or, you might end up with a 'wild' cat on your hands (in a good way)!!

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi!
Good on you for making this choice (plastic sheeting vs Prozac!)
Let us know how things go, we're rooting for both of you!!

 

[FrankieNMurphy]

No, he has always been the "Philosopher"! Quiet and tolerant, he has been so mellow all his life - even when I rescued a kitten - he just accepted it. So far, no ill effects from the weaning! Yahooooo!

 

[Furballsmom]

That's awesome, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that this positive progress continues!!