Information About Olanzapine + Fluoxetine, Sold As Symbyax
Are you taking, or considering taking, the combination of Olanzapine with Fluoxetine (Symbyax) for bipolar disorder? This page provides information on the medication’s benefits, side effects, and other properties. Also see our separate library of clinical trials and research literature for more on this medication and “Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) Clinical Trials and Research”.
Type of Medication: Atypical Antipsychotic With SSRI
Olanzapine is an Atypical Antipsychotic, or Neuroleptic (sometimes incorrectly called a ‘major tranquilliser’), while Fluoxetine is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor.
The combination of the two medications is sold as Symbyax.
Benefits of Olanzapine + Fluoxetine (Symbyax) for Bipolar Disorder
The combination drug Symbyax is usually prescribed for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with Bipolar Disorder. The combination is thought to work synergistically, providing enhanced anti-depressant effects.
Side Effects of Olanzapine + Fluoxetine (Symbyax)
Please see the separate pages on Olanzapine (Zyprexa) and on Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) for lists of Olanzapine (Zyprexa) side effects and Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) side effects.
Olanzapine + Fluoxetine (Symbyax) and Alcohol
The manufacturer recommends that alcohol should be avoided while taking Olanzapine + Fluoxetine (Symbyax).
Stopping Olanzapine + Fluoxetine (Symbyax): Discontinuation Effects or Withdrawal Symptoms
It is best to consult a physician before discontinuing an anti-psychotic or neuroleptic medication or an SSRI; one effect of stopping Olanzapine + Fluoxetine (Symbyax) too quickly may be the reappearance of symptoms, in addition to the other discontinuation effects listed for Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem).
Should You Buy Olanzapine + Fluoxetine (Symbyax) Online?
Particularly in the United States, many individuals choose to purchase medications online, either for reasons of cost savings, privacy, or both. Both brand-name Symbyax and so-called ‘generic Symbyax’ (i.e., Olanzapine and Fluoxetine without the Symbyax brand name) can sometimes be purchased at deep discounts (and sometimes without a prescription) in this way. Before undertaking any purchase of medications online, however — and certainly if you are contemplating doing so without a prior prescription — please consider the integrity of the supplier and the national and/or local laws which may apply where you live.
For more on the political and safety controversies about buying drugs online (including VIPPS, price-gouging, and more) see our separate site MedsDebate.com.
Information Sources and Disclaimer
The information provided here has been summarized in good faith purely for educational purposes. It is not intended in any way to replace the advice of a qualified medical professional. Please do not take any action on the basis of information contained here without consulting a physician. Unless otherwise specified, information is intended to apply only to adult use of the medication. Drug interaction precautions have not been included; please consult another source for this information.
All registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Information sources:
- United States FDA-approved Product Insert for Symbyax (PDF)
- (The publication Your Medicines — Any Questions? did not include this medication at the time of writing.)
- (The publication British National Formulary did not include this medication at the time of writing.)
