Why is my cat licking lips after buprenorphine? Is it nausea?

This represents a pretty substantial overdose. Corbett got about 2.5 times more than the highest published dose for pain relief. However, it's thought that buprenorphine has a high index of safety, and even large overdoses don't usually cause serious effects. I'm assuming you gave it on the gums ("transmucousally") as that's how it's typically prescribed for pain relief at home in cats. Because of that method of administration, there's no way to remove the drug from his system by inducing vomiting. There is a reversal agent that is somewhat effective, but may have to be given in multiple doses due to the way buprenorphine works. The drug is naloxone, and your veterinarian should have this drug. Because the signs of overdose can be concerning (vocalization, ataxia, hypersalivation, decreased body temperature, and lethargy) my best recommendation would be for you to take Corbett back to your veterinarian for administration of this drug, so that the overdosage can be averted.

I am sorry we couldn't get to your question earlier. Hopefully Sitara is back to normal now. The symptoms you have described are consistent with opioid use (which is what Buprenorphine is). I would not be overly concerned. I am more concerned about her dental disease and the plan to treat that, since the pain medications and antibiotics won't fix that particular problem. She needs a full dental cleaning under anesthesia and may need her teeth extracted if stomatitis is a concern. https://www.petcoach.co/article/gingivitis-and-stomatitis-in-cats/

Have you been giving him the buprenorphine? This could be making him very lethargic. If he doesnt seem really painful, you may consider stopping the pain meds or giving him a half dose to see if they helps to perk him up a bit. But if he is continuing to be lethargic despite not being on pain medication then I believe he needs to follow up with your vet to ensure nothing else is wrong. I hope he starts to feel better!

I am not sure how you are able to tell that he hasn't slept for 24 hrs unless you are also up yourself the entire time. Chances are he has slept somewhat, but these are still concerning symptoms that he may be having an adverse reaction to the medicaiton or that a lower dose is needed for him. Also it is concerning if he hasn't gone potty. Male neutered cats can get urinary blockages which causes them to be very vocal, lethargic and strain to urinate. I would advise taking him to your local vet right away for an evaluation and potentially stopping his medication until he is deemed healthy enough to proceed with either this medicaiton or an alternative. I hope that Cucho is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Best wishes and take care.

Buprenorphine often causes sedation as a side effect - sometimes a lot of sedation, as sounds like the case with Lady! The dose she received (0.3 mg for a 25 pound dog) is within the normal dosage range, and should not be expected to cause any serious problems at all :) The sedation should wear off in the next 6-8 hours, or possibly even sooner as the drug levels in her body start to drop. Buprenorphine has no negative impact on the pancreas at all, and is very commonly used for pain control in dogs with pancreatitis. I hope Lady starts to feel better soon!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Gaga will be very sleepy and lethargic after the extra dose of Buprenex but the symptoms should wear off within 6-8hrs. However, in unlikely case that Gaga is overexcited, dysphoric or she is deeply sedated, you should get in touch with your local vets right away.

Yes, that is a fairly frequent side effect after buprenorphine injection. The effect of buprenorphine lasts between 6 and 8 hours, so the hypersalivation should gradually wear off. I hope Mifi is pain free and back to her usual self. Please get in touch if you have any further questions.