Lethargy after Fentanyl in dogs

The FDA has received 119 reports of lethargy in dogs after Fentanyl. That is 19% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 11% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

119Reports
71%Marked serious
33%Recovered
42%Died or euthanised
2 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
32 31%
1–2 days
22 21%
3–7 days
9 8.7%
1–4 weeks
17 17%
Over a month
23 22%

How the animals did

Recovered
34 29%
Recovered with lasting effects
5 4.2%
Still unwell when reported
15 13%
Died
15 13%
Euthanised
35 29%
Not known
15 13%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
6
1–3 years
14
4–7 years
42
8–11 years
38
12+ years
10

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Fentanyl cause lethargy in dogs?
119 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 2 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Lethargy with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Fentanyl in dogs · Medicines most reported with lethargy