Olanzapine–samidorphan

Lybalvi treats schizophrenia and certain phases of bipolar I disorder in adults. Samidorphan can reduce the amount of olanzapine-associated weight gain on average, but weight gain and metabolic effects can still occur.

Olanzapine blocks dopamine and serotonin receptors. Samidorphan blocks opioid receptors, which creates important restrictions on opioid use.

Some symptoms improve earlier than others. Changes in hallucinations, mood, or organized thinking often develop over several weeks. Track practical goals, such as regular sleep and daily activities, and report side effects or limited benefit.

• Take once daily as prescribed, with or without food. Swallow whole; do not split or combine tablet strengths yourself.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Then skip it. Do not double a dose.
• Do not use opioids while taking it. Never try to overcome the blockade with larger doses.
• Tell emergency, dental, and surgical clinicians that your medication contains samidorphan.

• Increased appetite or weight
• Sleepiness or dizziness
• Dry mouth or constipation
• Restlessness or other movement symptoms

Some side effects resolve with time; others may require a change of medication. Discuss persistent or bothersome side effects with your provider.

Expect periodic checks of weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and movement symptoms. Some changes, such as higher blood sugar, may occur before you feel different.

Report new mouth, tongue, face, or limb movements. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that can persist after medication is stopped.

For a suspected overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, even if you feel well. Call 911 for a seizure, collapse, trouble breathing, or inability to wake.

Discuss diabetes, heart-rhythm problems, fainting, seizures, low blood counts, swallowing difficulties, and kidney or liver disease. Antipsychotics increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Discuss pregnancy, pregnancy plans, and breastfeeding with your provider. Treatment decisions should consider both the medication and the condition being treated.

Do not use with current opioid use or acute opioid withdrawal. Before starting, labeling requires at least seven opioid-free days after short-acting opioids and 14 after long-acting opioids; your provider must determine readiness.

Review all your medications with your provider, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Have new medications checked before taking them.

Opioids can cause precipitated withdrawal or fatal overdose-related complications. Planned surgery needs a coordinated medication and pain plan; do not stop or substitute on your own.

Smoking changes and CYP1A2-altering medicines can affect olanzapine. Alcohol, sedatives, and blood-pressure medicines can add impairment or dizziness.

Stand up slowly. Avoid driving until you know how the medication affects alertness and coordination.

Stay hydrated and take breaks in hot weather. Some antipsychotics interfere with temperature regulation.

Discuss appetite or weight changes early, and keep scheduled monitoring visits.

Keep medication in its labeled container, away from excess heat and moisture and out of reach of children and pets. Do not share it. Ask a pharmacy about disposal of unused medication.