What is Auvelity: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Medically reviewed by Peter Lourgos, MD, JD
Psychiatrist
Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Jan 29, 2023
Fact Checked

Auvelity is the first oral rapid-acting antidepressant for adults with major depressive disorder. In a six-week trial, Auvelity started working for some people as early as one week compared to a placebo. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2022.

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Auvelity overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Auvelity

Generic Names:

  • Dextromethorphan hydrobromide and bupropion hydrochloride

Uses:

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antidepressant

    • Dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and NMDA antagonist

Forms:

  • Extended-release tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Auvelity used for?

Auvelity is approved for adults with major depressive disorder.

Key takeaways

  • Auvelity is a fast-acting antidepressant with improvement noted after one week versus other antidepressants, which can take four to eight weeks.

  • Auvelity is less likely to cause weight gain than other antidepressants.

  • It is expensive with no generic version available.

What form(s) does Auvelity come in

  • Extended-release tablet

    • 45 mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide / 105 mg bupropion hydrochloride

What are common Auvelity doses?

  • Starting dose for depression in adults: 

    • 1 tablet once per day in the morning

  • After three days of treatment:

    • Increase to maximum recommended dosage of 1 tablet twice per day separated by at least 8 hours

    • Do not exceed two doses within the same day

Common Auvelity prescriptions

  • Auvelity
    45-105mg tablet extended release

How to take Auvelity

  • Take Auvelity as instructed by your healthcare provider.

  • Do not take more than two tablets of Auvelity in 24 hours.

  • Do not take more than one dose of Auvelity at a time.

  • Do not change your dose or stop taking Auvelity without talking to your healthcare provider first.

  • Swallow Auvelity tablets whole.

  • Seek professional medical advice if you take too much Auvelity.

What to do if you miss a dose of Auvelity

  • Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose of Auvelity.

  • Wait and take your next dose at the regular time.

  • Do not take more than 1 dose of Auvelity at a time.

Auvelity contraindications

  • Do not take Auvelity if you:

    • Have a seizure disorder

    • Are currently or previously diagnosed with bulimia or anorexia nervosa

    • Abruptly discontinue alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic drugs

    • Use MAOIs or have used MAOIs within 14 days of treatment with Auvelity

    • Are sensitive to bupropion, dextromethorphan, or other ingredients of Auvelity

  • Auvelity is not recommended for use in:

    • Pregnant women

    • Breastfeeding women

    • People with severe renal impairment

    • People with severe hepatic impairment

Auvelity warnings

  • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants.

  • Bupropion (an active ingredient in Auvelity) can cause seizures.

  • Elevated blood pressure and hypertension.

  • Increased risk of mania or hypomania, particularly in patients with bipolar disorder or those with risk factors for bipolar disorder.

  • Increased risk of psychosis and other neuropsychiatric reactions.

  • Auvelity may cause angle-closure glaucoma.

  • Dizziness was reported by 14% of people taking Auvelity in controlled studies (compared to 6% of patients on placebo).

  • Using Auvelity with SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants may cause serotonin syndrome.

  • Based on animal studies, Auvelity may cause harm to the fetus when taken during pregnancy.

Auvelity interactions

  • Auvelity should not be taken with:

    • Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors

    • Strong CYP2D6 inducers

    • CYP2D6 substrates

    • Digoxin

    • Drugs that lower seizure threshold

    • Dopaminergic drugs

  • Note: Auvelity can cause false-positive urine test results for amphetamines.

Auvelity side effects

Auvelity can cause serious side effects. Please contact your doctor immediately or go the your local ER if you develop any of the following:

  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults

  • Seizure

  • Significantly elevated blood pressure

  • Activation of mania or hypomania

  • Psychosis and other neuropsychiatric reactions

  • Severe eye pain or blurred vision

  • Serotonin syndrome

Auvelity can also cause less serious side effects. Many of these side effects are mild and subside after the first week. If they persist, please inform your doctor. These side effects include:

  • Dizziness

  • Headache

  • Diarrhea

  • Drowsiness

  • Dry mouth

  • Sexual dysfunction

  • Excessive sweating

  • Nausea

  • Anxiety

  • Constipation

  • Decreased appetite

  • Insomnia

  • Joint pain

  • Fatigue

  • Paraesthesia (pins and needles sensation)

Auvelity News & Research

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Medically reviewed by Peter Lourgos, MD, JD
Psychiatrist

Peter Lourgos, MD, JD, was born and raised near Chicago. During his college years, he developed an interest in the intersection of law and medicine and subsequently enrolled in a dual degree medicine/law program at Southern Illinois University. He completed residency training in general and forensic psychiatry and is board-certified in both areas.

After completing his training, he worked as a criminal forensic psychiatrist for the Circuit Court of Cook County in Chicago, where he evaluated individuals charged with various crimes and reported his findings to the court. During this time, he served as a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry, where he trained both medical students and resident physicians.

He has also served as a medical consultant to several large insurance providers.

Dr. Lourgos maintains an active clinical practice and sees patients for a variety of mental health concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and trauma. He has a passion for teaching others about mental health issues as it contributes to positive overall health and decreases the stigma often associated with mental health diagnoses.

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