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Side Effects of Elavil


Question

A 24-year-old female with CdLS was on Elavil but is being switched to Prozac (10 mg to be increased to 20 mg) for self-injurious behavior. Her mother is noticing side effects that, as she describes, resemble "Jacksonian" seizures with tremors and shaking of legs, but not losing consciousness. Can this be a side effect of the Prozac or the withdrawal from Elavil?

Answer of our experts

It is most likely Elavil withdrawal and not a seizure.

TG /TK 7-13-10

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Recommendation(s)

Self-injurious and aggressive behaviour

R54
To identify the cause of self-injurious behaviour in individuals with CdLS, medical assessment, specifically looking for sources of pain, should be followed by behavioural assessment of self-restraint then functional analysis.
R55
Treatment of self-injurious behaviour should include both medical and behavioural strategies.

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