Olanco Capsules 3/25mg Capsules

Olanzapine with fluoxetine combines two medicines that work on brain chemicals:

• olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic
• fluoxetine is an SSRI antidepressant

Together they are used to treat:

• depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder
• depression that has not improved after trying two other antidepressants

Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, usually once a day in the evening, with or without food.

• Keep taking it even when you feel better. Do not stop suddenly – your doctor will explain how to stop safely.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is near. Do not take two doses together.
• Avoid alcohol, which can make you more drowsy.
• Drink water and avoid overheating, especially in hot weather or during exercise.

Common side effects include:

• sleepiness and tiredness
• increased appetite and weight gain
• dry mouth, blurred vision, tremor, swelling

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, or worsening mood
• high fever, stiff muscles, confusion and sweating
• agitation, shaking, fast heartbeat and diarrhoea (possible serotonin syndrome)
• very high thirst and urination (high blood sugar), fainting, a seizure or a serious rash

Check with your doctor before taking it if you:

• take or recently took an MAOI, linezolid, pimozide or thioridazine
• have diabetes, high cholesterol, heart problems, low blood pressure, seizures, glaucoma or liver problems
• take blood thinners, aspirin or anti-inflammatory painkillers
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are an older person with dementia

Store at room temperature (20–25°C), in a tightly closed bottle away from light and moisture, out of reach of children.

Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers and young adults, especially early on or after dose changes – family should watch for mood changes. It is not approved for older people with dementia-related psychosis. It can cause drowsiness: do not drive until you know how it affects you. Your doctor may check blood sugar, cholesterol and weight.