Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: OLANZAPINE/FLUOXETINE - ORAL (oh-LAN-zuh-peen/flew-OX-eh-teen)

BRAND NAME(S): Symbyax

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is a combination of two drugs, olanzapine (an antipsychotic drug) and fluoxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI). It is used to treat a certain type of mental/emotional disorder (depression associated with bipolar disorder). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once daily in the evening, with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It may take up to several weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. It is important to continue taking this medication as prescribed even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. If your condition persists or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased appetite, weight gain, trouble sleeping, or joint pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To minimize dizziness or fainting, stand up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position; especially when you first start using this medication. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: black stools, changes in sexual ability, "coffee ground" vomit, easy bruising/bleeding, any mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, trouble concentrating), weakness. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fever, muscle stiffness, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, facial or body muscle twitching, lip smacking/other uncontrolled movements, tremor, weakness on one side of body, irregular/fast heartbeat, difficulty swallowing, seizures. This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, which may cause or worsen diabetes. This high blood sugar can rarely cause serious (sometimes fatal) conditions such as diabetic coma. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as unusual increased thirst and urination, or vision changes. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugars regularly. This drug may also cause significant weight gain and a rise in your blood cholesterol (or triglyceride) levels. These effects, along with diabetes, may increase your risk for developing heart disease. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. (See also Notes section.) Males: In the very unlikely event you have a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.