My dog ate tricyclic & other antidepressants (amitriptyline, bupropion) — what should I do?
🚨 RED — Go to an emergency vet NOW
Tricyclics cause dangerous heart arrhythmias; bupropion causes seizures.
What to do now
- Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed.
- Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Tricyclics cause dangerous heart arrhythmias; bupropion causes seizures.
Symptoms to watch for
Sedation, vomiting, slow or irregular heart, seizures.
When: 30 min - 2 h
Frequently asked questions
Is tricyclic & other antidepressants (amitriptyline, bupropion) dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Tricyclics cause dangerous heart arrhythmias; bupropion causes seizures. Treat it as an emergency and contact an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate tricyclic & other antidepressants (amitriptyline, bupropion)?
Sedation, vomiting, slow or irregular heart, seizures.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats tricyclic & other antidepressants (amitriptyline, bupropion)?
30 min - 2 h
What should I do if my dog ate tricyclic & other antidepressants (amitriptyline, bupropion)?
Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed. Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
No reliable dog-specific threshold is published for home use, so any amount should be discussed with your vet or a poison hotline.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Antidepressants, anxiolytics and sleep aids
- Pet Poison Helpline: antidepressants
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: amitriptyline, clomipramine, nortriptyline, bupropion, wellbutrin, mirtazapine · Category: Medication · Last reviewed 2026-10-14