Frequently Asked Questions
- Who should NOT take SYMBYAX?
- What should I tell my doctor before taking SYMBYAX?
- How can SYMBYAX help me feel better?
- How soon will SYMBYAX help me feel better?
- Should I keep taking SYMBYAX even after my symptoms go away?
- What happens when I stop taking SYMBYAX?
- What do I need to know about my medicine?
Who should NOT take SYMBYAX?
Because of the risk of certain serious medical complications, it's very important that you tell your doctor if you are:
- Taking a medicine known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have stopped taking an MAOI within the last 2 weeks. An MAOI is a medicine sometimes used for depression and other mental problems. Examples of MAOI medicines are Nardil® (phenylzine sulfate) and Parnate® (tranylcypromine sulfate). Taking SYMBYAX with an MAOI may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening. Do not take an MAOI for at least 5 weeks after you stop taking SYMBYAX.
- Taking a medicine called Mellaril® (thioridazine) for mental problems. Mellaril can cause a heart problem (prolongation of the QTc interval) that can cause death. Taking SYMBYAX with Mellaril can increase your chances of having this serious and life-threatening heart problem. Do not take Mellaril for at least 5 weeks after you stop taking SYMBYAX.
- Allergic to SYMBYAX or to its active ingredients, olanzapine or fluoxetine HCl.
- SYMBYAX has not been studied in children under 18 and is not approved for this age group. Additionally, all antidepressants carry a warning of increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Read the Safety Information to learn more.
What should I tell my doctor before taking SYMBYAX?
Before taking SYMBYAX, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you use, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements. You should especially tell your doctor if you are taking or plan to take any of the following:
- ZYPREXA® (olanzapine), Prozac® (fluoxetine hydrochloride), or Sarafem® (fluoxetine hydrochloride) or medicines that contain those substances.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), aspirin or blood thinners.
You should also tell your doctor if you:
- Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
- Are older than 65 and have a mental problem called dementia (slow loss of mental function).
- Have a history of any of the following medical conditions:
- High blood sugar or diabetes, or family history of diabetes
- Liver problems
- Seizures (convulsions or fits)
- Low blood pressure
- Heart problems or heart attacks
- Strokes or mini-strokes (also called transient ischemic attacks, TIA)
- High blood pressure
- An enlarged prostate
- An eye problem called narrow angle glaucoma
- A stomach problem called paralytic ileus
- Currently smoke cigarettes
- Drink alcohol
- Exercise often or are often in hot places
How can SYMBYAX help me feel better?
Special chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters move messages from one nerve cell to the next. When these chemicals get out of balance, a person may experience bipolar depression. Medicines like SYMBYAX are believed to bring these chemicals back into balance.
How soon will SYMBYAX help me feel better?
Most people who take SYMBYAX start feeling better in a week or so. You may continue to improve even more over a few weeks. It is important to take SYMBYAX exactly as your doctor has prescribed in order for it to work most effectively. Don't be discouraged if SYMBYAX does not start to work immediately.
Should I keep taking SYMBYAX even after my symptoms go away?
SYMBYAX can help you feel better, but it is not a cure for bipolar depression. If you stop taking it, your symptoms may come back. It's important to keep taking SYMBYAX for as long as your doctor prescribes.
What happens when I stop taking SYMBYAX?
SYMBYAX should not be stopped suddenly. Stopping SYMBYAX suddenly may result in symptoms like dizziness, nausea or headache. Talk with your doctor before stopping SYMBYAX as he or she may wish to decrease the dose slowly to help you avoid these kinds of symptoms.
What do I need to know about my medicine?
Most people with bipolar disorder usually need medicine to keep their illness under control. If your doctor does give you a prescription, you might want to ask some of the following questions:
- When do I take my medicine?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- When should I expect it to start working?
- After I start feeling better, do I need to keep taking it?
- What unwanted effects should I be looking for?
- What kinds of things should I call you about?
NOTE: To view or print PDF files, you must have Adobe® Reader®. Click here to download the free reader.
