Home Injury Symbax Overview

Symbax Overview

Symbax Overview

Symbax Overview: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects

Introduction:

Symbax is a medication used to treat certain mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is a combination of two drugs, called olanzapine, and fluoxetine, which work together in different ways to control various symptoms. Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia while fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression. Symbax was approved by the FDA in the United States in 2009 for use in adults with depression associated with bipolar disorder. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Symbax, including its uses, benefits, and side effects.

What is Symbax?

Symbax is a brand-name medication that contains two active ingredients, olanzapine and fluoxetine, which work together to treat several mental illnesses. It is a combination therapy prescribed to adults who are diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) associated with bipolar I disorder, manic or mixed episodes. It works by balancing the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that are involved in mood regulation.

Uses:

Symbax is used to treat certain mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It can also be prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder associated with bipolar I disorder, manic or mixed episodes. Doctors may also prescribe Symbax off-label to treat other conditions such as anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Benefits:

The combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine in Symbax can provide several benefits for patients with bipolar disorder, including those with major depressive disorder. Olanzapine helps to regulate mood by blocking certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Fluoxetine, on the other hand, works by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain. Together, these two medications work synergistically to provide relief from symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. Studies have shown that Symbax is an effective treatment for bipolar disorder, which can help patients regain their quality of life.

Side Effects:

Like all medications, Symbax comes with its own set of side effects. Common side effects of Symbax include dry mouth, blurred vision, increased appetite, drowsiness, and weight gain. Some patients may also experience more severe side effects, such as a high fever, seizures, or an irregular heartbeat. In some cases, Symbax may cause a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is a life-threatening reaction to the medication.

It is important to seek emergency medical attention if you experience any serious side effects while taking Symbax. Some other important precautions to take include avoiding alcohol and operating heavy machinery, as Symbax can adversely affect motor skills and cognitive abilities.

Dosage and Administration:

Symbax is available in tablet form and is usually taken once a day before bedtime. The dosage of Symbax typically starts at 6 mg/25 mg and can be increased depending on the patient’s response to the medication. The maximum daily dose of Symbax is 18 mg/75 mg per day.

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Symbax. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. In addition, it is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications.

Safety and Precautions:

Before taking Symbax, it is important to inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking. Some medications may interact with Symbax, reducing its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Patients with liver or kidney problems may also need a reduced dose of Symbax.

Additionally, Symbax may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some patients, particularly children and young adults. Therefore, it is important to monitor patients closely for signs of depression and suicidal tendencies. Patients should also avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how this medication affects them.

Compliance and Persistence:

Patients who are prescribed Symbax should be aware of the importance of compliance and persistence. Compliance refers to taking the medication as directed by your doctor, while persistence refers to continuing to take the medication even if you feel better.

Studies have shown that many patients with mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder experience relapses if they stop taking their medication. As such, it is important to continue taking Symbax as prescribed even if you feel better.

Cost and Availability:

Symbax is a brand-name medication and as such, can be quite expensive. The cost of Symbax can also vary depending on your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you purchase it from. Patients may be able to save money on Symbax by using generic equivalents or by shopping around for the best price.

Symbax is available at most pharmacies and can be purchased with a valid prescription from your doctor.

Conclusion:

Symbax is a medication used to treat certain mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is a combination of two drugs, called olanzapine and fluoxetine, which work together in different ways to control various symptoms. Symbax was approved by the FDA in the United States in 2009 for use in adults with depression associated with bipolar disorder.

While Symbax is an effective treatment for bipolar disorder, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and precautions associated with this medication. Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions, be aware of potential interactions with other medications, and monitor themselves for signs of depression or suicidal thinking.

By being compliant and persistent with their medication, patients with bipolar disorder can achieve long-term stability and improve their quality of life.


What is Symbax?

Symbax, or the generic term olanzapine, is a pharmaceutical product created by Eli Lily and is designated as an SSRI inhibitor.  The drug is used primarily in the treatment of bipolar disorder as well as treatment-resistant depression.

Side Effects?

Sid effects associated with Symbax, and common amongst many SSRI drugs, are drowsiness and weight gain.  More serious side effects of the drug include large and rapid weight gain, suicidal behavior and abnormal muscle movements.  The drug has also been linked to increased risk of birth defects in pregnant women who take the drug.

Studies Government Regulation

The FDA has recently warned physicians and patients about the use of SSRI anti-depressents.  Studies have shown a direct link between the usage by pregnant women and birth defects.  Specifically, Symbax has been associated with a number of congenital heart defects including Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN).

As a result of this the FDA has issued a Public Health Advisory warning that exposure of pregnant women to Symbax can lead to a serious risk of the baby being born with PPHN.  Studies have also linked the use of the drug to congenital defects of the abdomen and the deformation of the skull at birth.  In 2011 a study showed that the use of SSRIs, like Symbax, during pregnancy can lead to a heightened risk of autism in children.

Symbax carries a “black box” warning indicating that it can increase the risk of suicide in patients under the age of 24.

Lawsuits

As of September 2011 there are no pending or settled class action lawsuits involving Symbax However, due to a number of birth defects that have been attributed to the use of Symbax by pregnant women the possibility of class action lawsuits being filed is very predictable.  Other SSRI medications such as Paxil and Lexapro are also facing class action lawsuits for the same reason.

What to do if you take Symbax?

If you are or have taken Symbax or any other drug classified as an SSRI and you or someone you know has had a child with severe birth defects of the kind associated with SSRIs like Symbax, Paxil, or Lexapro then you should consult a physician.  You should also see a lawyer.  Although there are no class actions that have gone to trial or settled against Symbax the data is becoming more conclusive and a class action suit may be inevitable.