Symbyax

Generic name: Olanzapine and Fluoxetine hydrochloride

Why is Symbyax prescribed?

Symbyax is used to treat depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic-depressive illness, is a condition in which a person's mood swings from depression to excessive excitement.

Symbyax is a combination of the active ingredients in Prozac (fluoxetine), used to treat depression and other conditions; and Zyprexa (olanzapine), used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder as well as other conditions.

Most important fact about Symbyax

If you have bipolar disorder, you may think about, or try to commit, suicide. You also may think about harming others. If you have any of these thoughts, tell your doctor immediately or go to an emergency center. If your doctor feels that you are at risk for these symptoms, he or she will monitor you closely while you are taking Symbyax.

Serious, sometimes fatal reactions have been known to occur when fluoxetine, one of the ingredients in Symbyax, is taken with other antidepressant drugs called MAO inhibitors, including Nardil and Parnate. Such reactions have also occurred when fluoxetine is discontinued and an MAO inhibitor is started. Never take Symbyax with an MAO inhibitor, or within 14 days of discontinuing therapy with an MAO inhibitor. Allow 5 weeks or more between stopping Symbyax and starting an MAO inhibitor. Be especially careful if you have been taking Symbyax in high doses or for a long time.

If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medications, notify your doctor before taking Symbyax (see "Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication").

How should you take Symbyax?

Symbyax can be taken with or without food. It is best to take it in the evening. Take Symbyax exactly as prescribed. Keep taking the medication even if your mood improves. Never change your dosage or stop taking Symbyax without consulting your doctor.