Olanzapine and fluoxetine (Oral)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 25, 2022.
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies. No increased risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo was seen in adults beyond age 24, and there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Monitor patients closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Fluoxetine hydrochloride/olanzapine is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis nor for children younger than 10 years of age .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Symbyax
Available Dosage Forms:
- Capsule
Therapeutic Class: Antidepressant
Pharmacologic Class: Fluoxetine
Chemical Class: Thienobenzodiazepine
Uses for olanzapine and fluoxetine
Olanzapine and fluoxetine combination is used to treat depression that is a part of bipolar disorder, and depression in patients who received other antidepressants that did not work well. Olanzapine and fluoxetine should not be used to treat behavioral problems in older adult patients who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Olanzapine and fluoxetine work by increasing the activity of certain chemicals called serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. These chemicals help relieve the symptoms of depression. Olanzapine is an antipsychotic agent. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant and belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Olanzapine and fluoxetine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using olanzapine and fluoxetine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For olanzapine and fluoxetine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to olanzapine and fluoxetine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of olanzapine and fluoxetine combination to treat bipolar I depression in children younger than 10 years of age, and in children with treatment resistant depression. Safety and efficacy have not been established in these groups.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of olanzapine and fluoxetine combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have dementia or age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution or an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving olanzapine and fluoxetine combination.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication du..
