Which is a behavioral medication?

Which is a behavioral medication?

• A. Amitriptyline
• B. Mirataz
• C. Enalapril
• D. Amlodipine

Answer: (A)

Behavioral medications are drugs that alter brain neurotransmitters to reduce anxiety, fear, or compulsive behaviors and to improve mood in animals. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that increases levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help lessen anxiety and modify problematic behaviors such as separation anxiety, phobias, or compulsive actions. That makes it a classic example of a behavioral medication used in veterinary patients. The other options have primary roles outside behavior modification: enalapril is an ACE inhibitor used for heart conditions, amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used for hypertension, and Mirataz is a brand of mirtazapine often used as an appetite stimulant in cats (though it does have antidepressant effects, its main veterinary use is not as a behavioral medication).

Behavioral medications are drugs that alter brain neurotransmitters to reduce anxiety, fear, or compulsive behaviors and to improve mood in animals. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that increases levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help lessen anxiety and modify problematic behaviors such as separation anxiety, phobias, or compulsive actions. That makes it a classic example of a behavioral medication used in veterinary patients.

The other options have primary roles outside behavior modification: enalapril is an ACE inhibitor used for heart conditions, amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used for hypertension, and Mirataz is a brand of mirtazapine often used as an appetite stimulant in cats (though it does have antidepressant effects, its main veterinary use is not as a behavioral medication).