Alcohol and Symbyax

When you take alcohol and Symbyax together, you may increase the risk and severity of side effects, such as drowsiness or low blood pressure. In addition, alcohol can make the symptoms of certain mental illnesses (like bipolar disorder) worse. Therefore, to avoid these and other problems, people taking the drug are often advised to avoid combining alcohol and Symbyax.

 

Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Symbyax?

According to the Symbyax® (olanzapine and fluoxetine) prescribing information, drinking alcohol while taking the drug is not recommended. Combining alcohol and Symbyax can increase the chance and severity of several Symbyax side effects. In addition, for many people with a mental illness, it is usually recommended to avoid alcohol.
 

Alcohol and Symbyax Side Effects

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of certain side effects of Symbyax, such as drowsiness or low blood pressure when sitting or standing up (orthostatic hypotension). You may also be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol if you are taking Symbyax. You may not be able to safely drink as much alcohol as you are used to drinking in the past.
 
Symbyax is approved to treat depression associated with bipolar disorder. Generally, it is best for people with these mental illnesses to avoid drinking alcohol, as it can make mental illnesses worse and is often a form of "self-medication."
 

Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Alcohol and Symbyax

Although it is not recommended that you drink alcohol while taking Symbyax, you should not be afraid to discuss your alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider. Together, the two of you can make a shared decision about Symbyax and alcohol that is right for you. If you do drink and want to stop, your healthcare provider can also suggest ways to help you with this.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;