Symbyax (Olanzapine/Fluoxetine)

What is Symbyax?

Symbyax is an antipsychotic drug with main components fluoxetine and olanzapine. While fluoxetine is an antidepressant that belongs to the family of drugs known as SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication.

What is Symbyax used for?

Symbyax is used in the treatment manic depression (bipolar disorder). However, the drug is indicated only when other medications fail to improve conditions of the patient.

How does Symbyax work?

The main components of Symbyax are fluoxetine and olanzapine.

Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medicine while fluoxetine belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). But the mechanism of action of Symbyax is yet to be understood completely. However it is conjectured that the antidepressant effect arises from the activation of 3 monoaminergic neural systems (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine).

How to use Symbyax

Symbyax should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Symbyax is usually taken orally once a day, with or without food. The drug should be taken in the evening, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

The drug should be used on a regular basis for best results. It is important to continue taking the medicine even if you start feeling better.

It may take up to 4 weeks for you to notice any improvement in your conditions. However, if your condition does not improve even after 4 weeks or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Symbyax warnings and precautions

Symbyax is not administered to patients who are allergic to it. Patients who have seizure disorder or have taken a MAO inhibitor in the past two weeks are prohibited from taking this drug as Symbyax, in combination with a MAO inhibitor, may cause fatal consequences.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you are allergic to any other drug or if you have the following conditions: diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, high cholesterol levels, enlarged prostate, breast cancer, a history of drug abuse, seizure, high or low blood pressure, paralytic ileus, suicidal thoughts, or history of heart attack or stroke

Initially Symbyax can actually worsen your depression and even arouse suicidal thoughts. This especially happens in patients below 24 years of age. Hence your family members should be trained to monitor your mental condition for at least the first 12 weeks of the treatment.

This drug is not meant for the treatment of dementia related psychotic conditions. It should not be administered to older patients with dementia related conditions as doing so may have serious consequences such as pneumonia, heart failure, sudden death.

The medicine can increase blood sugar levels, especially if you are diabetic. Hence it is important to monitor your blood sugar while taking this drug.

The drug should not be given to children younger than 18 years of age.

Symbyax may alter your thinking and reactions. So, avoid activities which require complete alertness during this period. Also avoid consumption of alcohol as alcohol can aggravate such side effects.

You should also avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated while undergoing treatment with this drug.

Newborns may experience serious lung problems if the mother was taking this medication during pregnancy. But if you stop taki

What do I do if I have missed a Symbyax dose?

If you have missed a Symbyax dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Symbyax overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Symbyax, seek medical attention right away.

Symbyax interactions

Medications such as MAOI, pimozide and thorizadine should not be taken along with Symbyax. Some other drugs which may also interact with Symbyax are: medication for pain, arthritis, swelling or fever, heart rhythm disorder, blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, vinblastine, anticoagulants, lithium, tryptophan, phenytoin, clozapine, carbamazepine, haloperidol, theophylline, almotriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, other forms of fluoxetine or olanzapine and other antidepressants.

It is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before using Symbyax.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Symbyax side effects

Side effects from Symbyax include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. Call your doctor immediately if you experience panic attacks, anxiety, aggressiveness, irritability, sudden behavioral changes, restlessness, hyperactivity, trouble in sleeping, impulsiveness, worsening depression or suicidal thoughts.

Some other serious side effects are: hallucinations, confusion, seizure, fast pounding heartbeats, fainting, sudden severe headache, vision or speech problem, imbalance, increased thirst, increase of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, weakness, chest pain, very stiff muscles, loss of coordination, uncontrolled muscle movements, high fever, tremors, increased urination, or jaundice.

Dry mouth, weight gain, swelling in hands and feet, missed menstrual periods, trouble in swallowing, sore throat, mild diarrhea, drowsiness, insomnia, trouble in concentrating, swollen breasts, discharge from breasts, and decreased sex drive are some less serious side effects of Symbyax.