Symbyax is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.
Symbyax contains two different medications (olanzapine and fluoxetine). Olanzapine belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation)
antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known how Symbyax works for the treatment
bipolar disorder. However, it is known that the drug blocks or lessens the effects of several chemicals in the brain. These chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with bipolar disorder (also known as
manic depression).
Fluoxetine is part of a class of
antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
SSRIs for short. SSRIs affect a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. Serotonin is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin. The serotonin enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin that remains in the gap between the cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. However, when the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including bipolar disorder. Fluoxetine helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so that more serotonin remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
In previous clinical studies of Symbyax for the treatment of
depression associated with
bipolar disorder, people taking the drug experienced improvements in their depression symptoms, compared to those not taking Symbyax or those taking
olanzapine alone.
When and How to Take Symbyax
The following are some general considerations for when and how to take Symbyax:
- The medication comes in capsule form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day in the evening.
- You can take Symbyax with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Symbyax should be taken at the same time each day to maintain even levels in your blood.
- For the drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Symbyax will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Symbyax
The dose of Symbyax that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Symbyax. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Symbyax include but are not limited to:
(Click Symbyax Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific Symbyax side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
Drug Interactions With Symbyax
Symbyax: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Symbyax if you have:
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Symbyax?
People who take too much Symbyax may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Coordination problems
- Speech problems
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose on Symbyax, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Symbyax Be Stored?
Symbyax should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The capsules should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep Symbyax and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Symbyax?
If you do not take your Symbyax as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Symbyax capsules are available in the following strengths:
There is currently no generic Symbyax licensed for sale
(see Generic Symbyax).
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