Fluoxetine; Olanzapine capsules

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What are Fluoxetine; Olanzapine capsules?

FLUOXETINE; OLANZAPINE (SYMBYAX®) is a combination of 2 drugs used to help control the depressive phase of a condition called bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness). Bipolar disorder is a mental condition where you may have fluctuations in your mood, energy level, and ability to function. This drug helps to control extreme mood swings, especially when you feel very sad and depressed. Your health care provider may decide that your bipolar disorder will require long-term medication treatment. Generic Fluoxetine; Olanzapine capsules are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• a stomach problem called paralytic ileus
• Alzheimer's disease or dementia
• are currently taking another medication called fluoxetine or olanzapine; Prozac®, Prozac® Weekly, Sarafem®, Zyprexa®, or Zyprexa® Zydis®. These medications also contain ingredients found in SYMBYAX®.
• breast cancer
• cigarette smoker
• diabetes mellitus, high blood sugar or a family history of diabetes
• difficulty passing urine
• difficulty swallowing
• frequently drink alcoholic beverages
• narrow or closed-angle glaucoma
• heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or previous heart attack
• high blood pressure treated with medication
• kidney or liver disease
• low blood pressure
• Parkinson's disease
• prostate trouble
• receiving electroconvulsive therapy
• seizures (convulsions)
• strokes, or mini-strokes called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
• suicidal thoughts
• an unusual reaction to fluoxetine, olanzapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take Fluoxetine; Olanzapine capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. You can take Fluoxetine; Olanzapine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking your medicine after eating.

Take your doses at regular intervals, the same time each day. Usually you will take Fluoxetine; Olanzapine at nighttime, but follow your prescriber's directions. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What drug(s) may interact with Fluoxetine; Olanzapine?

Fluoxetine; Olanzapine has the potential to interact with a variety of medications, check with your healthcare professional. The following list contains some of these interactions.

Do not take Fluoxetine; Olanzapine with any of the following medications:
• astemizole (Hismanal®)
• cisapride (Propulsid®)
• pimozide (Orap®)
• terfenadine (Seldane®)
• thioridazine (Mellaril®); Do not take thioridazine for at least 5 weeks after you stop taking Fluoxetine; Olanzapine.
• medicines called MAO inhibitors-phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), selegiline (Eldepryl®). Do not take MAO inhibitors for at least 5 weeks after you stop taking Fluoxetine; Olanzapine. If you have stopped taking a MAO inhibitor, do not take Fluoxetine; Olanzapine for at least 2 weeks.

Fluoxetine; Olanzapine may also interact with the following medications:
• alcohol
• amphetamine
• aspirin; or other drugs often used for pain known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• buspirone
• carbamazepine
• certain diet drugs (dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine, sibutramine)
• certain medicines for migraine headache (almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methysergide)
• cimetidine
• clarithromycin
• clozapine
• cyproheptadine
• dextroamphetamine
• dextromethorphan
• dofetilide
• donepezil
• doxercalciferol
• ergonovine
• erythromycin
• furazolidone
• kava kava
• ketoconazole
• levodopa and other medications for Parkinson's disease
• linezolid
• lithium
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or alprazolam
• medicines for colds, allergies or hay fever
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental depression or psychotic disturbances
• methylergonovine
• paricalcitol
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• propafenone
• rifampin
• ritonavir
• some prescription pain medications
• some medicines for stomach cramping or Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• St. John's wort
• tacrine
• tobacco in cigarettes
• voriconazole
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Fluoxetine; Olanzapine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Continue to take your capsules even if you do not immediately feel better. If you get suicidal thoughts, extreme agitation, inability to sleep or sit still call your prescriber or health care professional at once.

Do notify your prescriber if your depression symptoms get worse, if you have new symptoms or if you are having an unusual effect from Fluoxetine; Olanzapine. Also notify your health care provider immediately if you feel out of control, very discouraged or think you might harm yourself or others. Your prescriber can help you manage these problems.

You should not suddenly stop taking Fluoxetine; Olanzapine. You must gradually reduce the dose or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice; do not stop taking this medication unless you have discussed this with your prescriber.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how Fluoxetine; Olanzapine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds diarrhea or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects. If you experience severe constipation contact your health care provider.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help. Be careful when brushing and flossing your teeth to avoid mouth infections or damage to your gums. See your dentist regularly.

Fluoxetine; Olanzapine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated or dehydrated from exercise. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

Fluoxetine; Olanzapine may make your skin more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Limit your sun exposure; wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Avoid using sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

If you notice you are bleeding more easily, for example, when you brush your teeth or floss your gums, or bruising very easily contact your prescriber. Some medicines including aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen may increase the risk of bleeding if combined with Fluoxetine; Olanzapine. Aspirin, ibuprofen (for example Motrin®, Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®) are found in many over-the-counter medications you can buy without a prescription.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking Fluoxetine; Olanzapine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Fluoxetine; Olanzapine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• agitation, anger, hostility
• changes in vision
• changes in your period or menstrual cycle
• confusion
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty concentrating
• difficulty in swallowing
• excessive thirst
• dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness or loss of balance
• fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out of control
• frequent need to urinate
• inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs
• irregular, fast heartbeat (palpitations)
• lowered blood pressure
• painful erections
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash or itching (hives)
• stiffness or spasms
• tremors or trembling
• unable to sit still, extreme restlessness or inability to sleep
• uncontrollable tongue or chewing movements, smacking lips or puffing cheeks
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• severe or prolonged vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• minor agitation or restlessness
• minor anxiety or nervousness
• blurred vision
• constipation
• difficulty sleeping
• daytime drowsiness
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• excessive watering or drooling from your mouth
• headache
• increased sweating
• indigestion
• increased or decreased appetite
• nausea or stomach upset
• sensitivity of skin to sunlight
• sexual difficulties (decreased sexual desire or ability)
• tremor (shaking)
• weight gain

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.