Symbyax Medication for Bipolar Disorder

Symbyax Medication for Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print Symbyax Medication for Bipolar Disorder Uses, Side Effects, and Research By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Updated on July 11, 2018 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights Universal Images Group / Getty Images Symbyax is a combination of olanzapine, the active ingredient in Zyprexa, and fluoxetine, the active ingredient in Prozac. It was the first FDA-approved medication for the depressive episodes that occur in bipolar disorder or bipolar depression. Uses Symbyax is prescribed for the treatment of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. Virtually all patients with this disorder experience the depressive phase commonly referred to as bipolar depression. Patients with bipolar disorder spend an average of one-third of their lives in the depressive phase of this illness. Symbyax can also now be prescribed for treatment-resistant depression. Common Side Effects Common side effects that may go away with time include: Appetite increaseWeight gainDry mouthDiarrheaLosing or not having strengthSexual difficulties, including decreased interest or inability to orgasmErectile dysfunctionTwitchingJoint swelling, redness or pain If any of these side effects dont go away or cause problems, be sure to tell your doctor. Potentially Serious Side Effects If you have any of the following side effects, its important to contact your doctor right away as you may need medical treatment. These potentially serious side effects include: CongestionRunny noseCoughTingling in your hands or feetDementiaDelusionsBody aches or painGaining weight suddenlyDifficulty swallowingSwelling in your arms, legs, hands, feet, or faceDifficulty breathing or speakingMemory problemsChest tightnessVision changesIrregular heartbeatDizziness Research According to a study done around the time Symbyax was approved by the FDA, Symbyax helped to treat the symptoms of bipolar depression more effectively and at a significantly faster rate than placebo. In the eight-week studies, patients in the Symbyax group experienced significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms compared with patients taking a placebo. That robust symptom improvement was sustained throughout the entire eight weeks of the study. In addition, Symbyax patients had no statistically greater risk of treatment-emergent mania than patients taking a placebo. A more recent study that looked at a series of other studies regarding Symbyax also showed its continued effectiveness in treating and keeping the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder at bay. The only concern was that the side effects may be worse when using Symbyax than they are with other medications, particularly weight gain. Discuss Your Medical History With Your Doctor If you are considering starting Symbyax, discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider. Be sure to tell your doctor if any of the following apply: You are currently taking any medicationsYou are taking Prozac (fluoxetine) or Zyprexa (olanzapine)You are taking or plan to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirinYou are pregnant or plan to become pregnantYou are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeedYou are older than 65 and have dementiaYou have high blood sugar, diabetes or a family history of diabetesYou have liver problemsYou have seizuresYou have high or low blood pressureYou have heart problemsYou have had a strokeYou have an enlarged prostateYou have an eye problem called narrow-angle glaucomaYou have a stomach problem called paralytic ileusYou currently smokeYou drink alcoholYou exercise often