Olanzapine‐fluoxetine combination has some benefit, but placebo effect and adverse events high

Abstract

Adolescents and children diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BP) have a significantly reduced quality of life, including greater risk of suicidal behavior. Rapid intervention is critical, but unfortunately pharmacological treatments are challenging, with antidepressants sometimes causing manic symptoms. While there are medications effective in treating mania, the depressive phase is more difficult to treat. Only three medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the acute treatment of bipolar depression in adults: quetiapine, lurasidone, and olanzapine/fluoxetine combination (OFC).