Sedating my cat

I have to sneak my cat into my new condo.Once she is in, no one will know she is there.I have had her for 17 years. She is very healthy.She has no medical problems.I have to make sure she is quiet when I walk her to the elevator. When I take her to the vet (only like once every 5 years) she goes nuts.In the cat caddy or a box.The vet gives me Acepromazine to give her when I take her there.I give her 1--- 10 mg pill. When I get there she is still so crazy he wont touch her. He gives me the gloves to hold her.The last time I was there November 06. he said give her 2 next time. I have done a couple test runs to the new Condo with her in a box to try and get her used to it with no medication. She screams like you are sticking a knife in her. My question is. Is it ok to give her two?Is there something else I can give her to calm her or make her sleep. Any advise you can give me is much appreciated. I need to get her in there or I will have to rent an apt. and try to rent my new condo.  Thank you.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

You can request a 1 to 2 mg tablet of Xanax (depending on her weight) from your veterinarian and see if that is more effective than Acepromazine.  Once effectiveness is established you can request enought for your trips to and from the veterinarian, etc.  When irate cats come to my practice I ask the owner to leave the cat for the day.  I will then sedate the cat and perform my diagnostic's, vaccines etc.  I will use a sedation protocol that I can reverse once diagnostic's, etc are finished.  I also recommend that you try Feliway and put a little into her carrier, it may be enough to calm her without the use of medication.  A holistic oral product called Rescue Remedy may also be helpful.  

Additionally, I think taking your cat to the veterinarian once every 5 years is too long.  At 17 years of age she should have a senior blood profile and urinalysis every 6 months.