Weight loss after Fluoxetine in dogs

104 reports to the FDA describe weight loss in dogs given Fluoxetine. That is 4.0% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

104Reports

39%Marked serious

17%Recovered

11%Died or euthanised

45 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

8 15%

1–2 days

3 5.8%

3–7 days

4 7.7%

1–4 weeks

7 13%

Over a month

30 58%

How the animals did

Recovered

9 8.7%

Recovered with lasting effects

9 8.7%

Still unwell when reported

26 25%

Died

3 2.9%

Euthanised

8 7.7%

Not known

49 47%

Problems reported at the same time

Loss of appetite

55 53%

Lethargy

29 28%

Vomiting

23 22%

Didn't work as expected

15 14%

13 13%

12 12%

12 12%

11 11%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Fluoxetine treats anxiety and behaviour problems.

Questions owners ask

Can Fluoxetine cause weight loss in dogs?: 104 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 45 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).

Weight loss with similar medicines

Weight loss after Gabapentin 412 reports · 4.6% of its reports
Weight loss after Selegiline (Anipryl) 140 reports · 3.4% of its reports
Weight loss after Trazodone 115 reports · 4.5% of its reports
Weight loss after Clomipramine (Clomicalm) 59 reports · 3.9% of its reports

All reported side effects of Fluoxetine in dogs · Medicines most reported with weight loss