Has your doctor prescribed you to use the medicine Olanzapine and Samidorphan? Or has anyone in your family been prescribed this medicine? It is normal to have some questions and curiosity about a new medicine when starting it. So today we will talk to you very simply and kindly about this medicine, how it works, and the things we need to be careful about.
What exactly is this medicine?
Simply put, it is a combination of two medications. That is, it is a pill made by combining two drugs called Olanzapine and Samidorphan . It is usually used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder .
Think about it, there are chemicals in our brains that control our emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. Dopamine and Serotonin are two of those key chemicals. Olanzapine works by balancing the levels of these chemicals. It helps stabilize your mood, behaviors, and thoughts.
Now you might be wondering, what happens with the drug Samidorphan? Sometimes, drugs like Olanzapine can cause side effects like weight gain. The drug Samidorphan is added to this to reduce the risk of such side effects. That is, it is a combination of an antipsychotic drug and an opioid blocker .
This medication is available under the brand name LYBALVI. However, your doctor may also prescribe this medication for other medical conditions.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions. This is very important, because that information will determine whether this medication is right for you or not.
| Illness or condition | What you need to inform |
|---|---|
| Digestive system problems | Intestinal obstruction, frequent constipation, difficulty swallowing food. |
| Existing diseases | Diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, glaucoma, prostate disease, seizures. |
| Things related to blood | High cholesterol, low blood pressure, low white blood cells, high prolactin levels. |
| Previous history | A history of stroke, a history of breast cancer, a history of drug use. |
| Mental and nervous system | Dementia, difficulty controlling muscles, irregular heartbeat, suicidal thoughts (for yourself or a family member). |
| Other points | Difficulty urinating, trying to get pregnant or being pregnant, breastfeeding, allergies to other medications, foods or substances. |
How should I use this medicine?
This is very simple.
- Swallow this tablet with a glass of water. Do not crush or swallow this tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
- Try to take the medicine at the same time every day. This will help keep the medicine's effectiveness in the body at the same level.
- This can be taken before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Most importantly: Keep taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking it suddenly.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can cause problems when taken with this medicine, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
Warning: Do not take the following medications with this medicine.
Cisapride, Dronedarone, Opioids (painkillers), Pimozide, Thioridazine.
In addition, other medications and substances may interact with this medicine.
| Substances/medications that may cause problems | What to pay special attention to |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Drinking alcohol can increase the side effects of the medication (drowsiness, dizziness). So stop drinking alcohol completely. |
| Sleep medicine | Allergy medications (antihistamines), some medications for depression, sleeping pills, and muscle relaxants. |
| Medicines taken for other diseases | Blood pressure medications, seizure medications (e.g., Carbamazepine), Parkinson's disease medications, and some medications for fungal infections (e.g., Ketoconazole). |
| Smoking | Tell your doctor if you smoke or have decided to quit smoking. Smoking can affect how the medicine works. |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
It's a good idea to pay a little more attention to your body while taking this medicine.
- See your doctor regularly: Check in with your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are improving.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly: This is very important. Stopping the medicine without your doctor's advice can cause serious reactions. If you do stop taking the medicine, do so by gradually reducing the dose under the supervision of your doctor.
- Skin reactions: Sometimes, severe skin reactions can occur weeks after starting the medication. Tell your doctor right away if you have fever, body aches, red or purple skin blisters, or hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or a rash on the neck or armpits .
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a sitting position. This can make you feel dizzy.
- Dry mouth: If you feel like your mouth is dry, chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water can help. If this problem persists, tell your doctor.
- Body temperature: This medication may affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. Be careful of extreme heat and extreme cold. Drink plenty of water.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone will experience them.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Increased blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Unusually increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Nervous system problems (EPS) | Uncontrolled movements of body parts, muscle tension, tremors, restlessness. |
| Other serious symptoms | High fever, muscle stiffness and sweating (symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome), seizures, infections (fever, cough), difficulty urinating. |
| If these side effects persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, stomach discomfort, weight gain. |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give your medicine to anyone else , even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
- Don't forget to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. It can be dangerous.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- If you feel sleepy or dizzy, avoid driving and other tasks that require attention.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe skin rash, fever, or facial swelling , seek medical advice immediately.
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