Symbyax

If Symbyax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. Ask your doctor before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medication. It is especially important to check before combining Symbyax with the following:

Antidepressants known as tricyclics, such as Elavil
Blood pressure medications
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Diazepam (Valium)
Drugs that boost the effect of dopamine, such as the Parkinson's medications Mirapex, Parlodel, Permax, and Requip
Fluvoxamine
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Levodopa (Larodopa)
Lithium (Eskalith)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Pimozide (Orap)
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Tryptophan
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Let the doctor know if you smoke cigarettes, since this could affect how your body processes Symbyax.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Symbyax should be used during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary.

You should not breastfeed while taking Symbyax. The drug may pass into breast milk and harm your baby.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual starting dose is one capsule containing 6 milligrams of olanzapine and 25 milligrams of fluoxetine, taken once a day in the evening. If needed, the doctor may gradually increase the dose. The usual dosage range is 6 to 12 milligrams of olanzapine and 25 to 50 milligrams of fluoxetine.

The doctor may adjust your dosage if you have liver problems, a high risk of low blood pressure, or a combination of factors that may slow your body's processing of Symbyax (female, older age, nonsmoker).

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Symbyax have not been studied in children.

Overdosage

Overdose with fluoxetine, one of the ingredients in Symbyax, can be fatal. There have been reports of patients dying after overdosing on fluoxetine and olanzapine taken as separate drugs at the same time. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of overdose may include:
  Aggressive behavior, agitation, coma, confusion, convulsions, heart problems, irregular or fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness, problems with muscle coordination, problems with speech, sleepiness, sluggishness