Olanzapine+fluoxetine
About
Olanzapine+fluoxetine belongs to the class of antipsychotics used in the treatment of schizophrenia or psychosis and bipolar disorder (manic depression). Schizophrenia is characterized by symptoms of hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real) and delusions (wrong beliefs). Manic episodes of excitement or depression characterize bipolar disorder. Olanzapine+fluoxetine prevents the occurrence of these symptoms.
Olanzapine+fluoxetine consists of two medicines, namely: Fluoxetine and Olanzapine. Olanzapine+fluoxetine works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. The key action of Olanzapine+fluoxetine is to block some of the dopamine receptors in the brain and to correct the overactivity of dopamine. On the other hand, it also affects other brain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (5-HT), which may lead to its beneficial effects. Altogether Olanzapine+fluoxetine may help to decrease hallucinations and help you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less agitated, and take a more active part in everyday life.
You are suggested to take $ame for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Common side-effects of Olanzapine+fluoxetine are drowsiness, lightheadedness, restlessness, irritability, tremor, dry mouth, constipation, increased appetite, extreme fatigue, decreased libido, swelling of the hands or feet, or weight gain. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Olanzapine+fluoxetine if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the ingredients present in this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have a medical history of dementia, glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), stroke, heart diseases, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease (brain disorder), epilepsy (seizures), prostate problems, a blocked intestine (Paralytic ileus), and blood disorders. Olanzapine+fluoxetine may increase blood glucose levels, so inform your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as increased thirst or urination. It may also cause weight gain and increase fat levels in the body.
Uses of Olanzapine+fluoxetine
Medicinal Benefits
Olanzapine+fluoxetine is used in the treatment of schizophrenia or psychosis and bipolar disorder (manic depression). Olanzapine+fluoxetine works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. The key action of Olanzapine+fluoxetine is to block some of the dopamine receptors in the brain and to correct the overactivity of dopamine. On the other hand, it also affects other brain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (5-HT), which may lead to its beneficial effects. Altogether Olanzapine+fluoxetine may help to decrease hallucinations and help you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less agitated, and take a more active part in everyday life.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Olanzapine+fluoxetine
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Tremor
- Stomach upset
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Olanzapine+fluoxetine if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the ingredients present in this medicine or have a medical history of eye problems such as glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye). Before taking Olanzapine+fluoxetine, talk to your doctor if you or your family have a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart diseases and if you are above 65 years and have a history of dementia (memory loss). Olanzapine+fluoxetine may cause weight gain and increase blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Inform your doctor if you are previously diagnosed with diabetes, liver or kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease (brain disorder), epilepsy, prostate problems, a blocked intestine (Paralytic ileus) or blood disorders.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Olanzapine+fluoxetine may interact with other benzodiazepines or anti-anxiety drugs (lorazepam and diazepam) and opioid analgesics (tramadol and codeine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Olanzapine+fluoxetine may interact with alcohol, increasing drowsiness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Olanzapine+fluoxetine should be used with caution in patients with dementia, CNS (central nervous system) depression, obesity, eye problems, acute alcohol intoxication (change in mental behaviour after alcohol consumption), brain stroke, heart diseases, hyperlipidemia (lipid alterations), hyperglycemia/diabetes, liver disease, kidney problems, epilepsy, and parkinsonism (brain disorder).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafePatients taking Olanzapine+fluoxetine should avoid taking alcohol as it may increase drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionOlanzapine+fluoxetine should be used in pregnant women only when prescribed by a doctor.
Breast Feeding
unsafeOlanzapine+fluoxetine should not be given to breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
unsafeOlanzapine+fluoxetine causes drowsiness. So, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking Olanzapine+fluoxetine.
Liver
cautionOlanzapine+fluoxetine should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
cautionOlanzapine+fluoxetine should be used in patients with kidney diseases only when prescribed by a doctor. Dose adjustments and regular monitoring of electrolytes may be required as it may alter electrolyte levels in the body.
Children
unsafeOlanzapine+fluoxetine should not be prescribed in children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Monitor your mood. Keep track of your mood regularly, including factors such as sleep, medicine, and activities that can impact your mood.
- Exercise daily. Exercise is nice to relieve tension. It can also avoid the weight gain that can be a side effect of your bipolar medication.
- You may also practice calming techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises.
- Sleep well. Having enough sleep will help to stabilize your mood.
- Eat a healthy diet. Certain foods may affect your mood more than others. Consider keeping a food log to track what you eat and how certain foods make you feel. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about foods that may help stabilize your mood.
- Stay optimistic. It will take time for your symptoms to improve after you start bipolar therapy, but you will feel relaxed knowing that you will get better and that the worst is most definitely behind you.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Schizophrenia (psychosis): It is a mental illness in which the processing of brain information is affected. Patients with schizophrenia develop symptoms such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing unreal things), delusions (false beliefs), and become withdrawal from society. They lose the ability to differentiate reality from false beliefs. Patients with bipolar disorders have mood swings ranging from manic episodes of heightened excitement to severe depression. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may occur due to genetic factors, alcohol or drug abuse, or mental trauma. Schizophrenia may also occur due to brain injuries or diseases.
Bipolar disorder: It is a mental health condition that affects your moods, which can swing from one extreme to another. It is also known as manic depression.
FAQs
Olanzapine+fluoxetine can decrease anxiety, irritability or agitation. However, you should consult a doctor before using Olanzapine+fluoxetine for any condition.
Long-term use of Olanzapine+fluoxetine may cause dyskinesia (a movement disorder) in some cases. However, your doctor will prescribe this medication if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Olanzapine+fluoxetine can be used to treat mood disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. However, you should not take this medication without a doctor’s advice.
Olanzapine+fluoxetine may cause decreased libido in men and women. It can cause erectile dysfunction in men as it can alter testosterone levels. Consult a doctor if you experience erectile dysfunction after taking Olanzapine+fluoxetine.
Stopping Olanzapine+fluoxetine abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, and stopping it too early could make your illness come back. Please consult your doctor if you want to stop taking Olanzapine+fluoxetine.
Olanzapine+fluoxetine may cause severe side effects, such as memory loss and loss of contact with reality. It is important to know that it may raise blood sugar levels in diabetics and in patients who have never had diabetes. It can also induce weight gain and high blood fat levels which are more common in adolescents.
