Description

Product Description

Olay Forte Tablet is a combination of an antidepressant, Fluoxetine, and an atypical antipsychotic, Olanzapine. The combination is used under psychiatric supervision for specific depressive conditions, particularly depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

Fluoxetine primarily influences serotonin signalling in the brain, while Olanzapine acts on several neurotransmitter systems involved in mood, thought, and behaviour. Together, these medicines can help address depressive symptoms in patients for whom this combination is considered appropriate.

The 20 mg/10 mg strength contains Fluoxetine 20 mg and Olanzapine 10 mg per tablet. The correct dose and duration vary according to the individual’s diagnosis, response to treatment, age, medical history, and other medicines being used.

Because this medicine can affect alertness, appetite, body weight, and metabolic parameters, regular follow-up with the prescribing doctor may be required during treatment.

Uses

• Used for depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder in appropriate adult patients.
• May be prescribed for treatment-resistant depression in selected patients when other antidepressant treatments have not provided adequate improvement.
• Used as part of a psychiatrist-supervised treatment plan for specific mood disorders.

Key Benefits

• Combines antidepressant and antipsychotic actions in a single formulation.
• Helps regulate neurotransmitter activity associated with mood and emotional symptoms.
• May help improve depressive symptoms in appropriately selected patients.
• Provides a combination therapy option when both components are clinically indicated.

How to Use

• Take Olay Forte Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• It may generally be taken with or without food.
• Take it at the same time each day as advised by your doctor.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet unless specifically instructed.
• Do not stop treatment suddenly or change the dose without consulting your doctor.
• Avoid missing doses and continue treatment for the duration recommended by your psychiatrist.

How It Works

Olay Forte combines Fluoxetine and Olanzapine, which act through different but complementary pathways in the brain. Fluoxetine selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin activity between nerve cells. Olanzapine modulates dopamine and serotonin receptor activity, influencing pathways involved in mood, cognition, and behaviour. The combined effect can help reduce depressive symptoms in patients for whom this treatment is appropriate.

Side Effects

• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness or drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Tiredness
• Constipation
• Difficulty with attention or concentration
• Increased blood sugar or cholesterol levels
• Tremor or restlessness
• Blurred vision
• Sexual dysfunction or reduced sexual desire

Precautions & Warnings

• Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults. Report new or worsening depression, unusual behavioural changes, agitation, or suicidal thoughts to your doctor immediately.
• Seek urgent medical attention for severe muscle stiffness, high fever, confusion, marked sweating, or abnormal movements, which may indicate a serious reaction.
• Olay Forte may cause significant drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Avoid alcohol because it may increase drowsiness and impairment.
• Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, high cholesterol, seizures, liver disease, kidney problems, heart disease, glaucoma, Parkinsonism, or a history of blood clots.
• Olanzapine can cause increased appetite, weight gain, and changes in blood sugar and lipid levels. Your doctor may recommend periodic monitoring.
• Tell your doctor about all antidepressants, antipsychotics, pain medicines, migraine medicines, and other prescription or non-prescription products you take.
• Do not start or stop medicines affecting serotonin without medical advice because potentially serious drug interactions can occur.
• Older adults with dementia-related psychosis have an increased risk of death when treated with antipsychotic medicines; Olay Forte is not approved for this use.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding before starting treatment.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 30°C.
• Keep the tablets in their original packaging.
• Protect from moisture, excessive heat, and direct sunlight.
• Keep the medicine out of reach and sight of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

FAQs

Q: What is Olay Forte Tablet used for?
A: Olay Forte Tablet is prescribed for depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder and may also be used in selected cases of treatment-resistant depression.

Q: What is the composition of Olay Forte Tablet?
A: Each tablet contains Fluoxetine 20 mg and Olanzapine 10 mg.

Q: Is Olay Forte Tablet a prescription medicine?
A: Yes. It is a prescription medicine and should be used only under the supervision of a qualified doctor, preferably a psychiatrist.

Q: Can Olay Forte Tablet make me sleepy?
A: Yes. Sleepiness and drowsiness are among the possible side effects, particularly during the initial period of treatment. Avoid driving until you know how the medicine affects you.

Q: Can I stop Olay Forte when my symptoms improve?
A: No. Do not discontinue Olay Forte suddenly. Your doctor should decide how and when treatment should be reduced or stopped.

Q: Can Olay Forte cause weight gain?
A: Yes. Olanzapine may increase appetite and body weight in some patients. Your doctor may monitor your weight, blood sugar, and lipid levels during treatment.