FAQs

Major depressive disorder isn’t just a “bad day” or a “rough patch.” It's a common form of depression that can be severe. An estimated 21 million adults in the US have experienced a major depressive episode.

One of the first signs you may have MDD is that you feel down every day, for at least 2 weeks.

In a long-term, open-label study lasting up to 12 months in which people knew they were taking AUVELITY, safety and effectiveness were measured at various time points. Side effects observed for up to a year were generally consistent with the side effects seen in a 6-week study comparing AUVELITY to placebo. Plus, average depression symptom scores were reduced when measured at scheduled follow-up visits for up to 12 months.^†

During a 6‑week clinical study, the most common side effects experienced by 5% or more of people taking AUVELITY (and at least twice the rate of placebo) were dizziness, headache, diarrhea, feeling sleepy, dry mouth, sexual function problems, and excessive sweating.

These are not all the possible side effects of AUVELITY. For more information, talk to your doctor and refer to the Medication Guide.

You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Here are a few things you might like to know. In a 6‑week study:

• People taking AUVELITY lost about half a pound, while those taking placebo gained about 1 pound, on average
• AUVELITY can be associated with sexual side effects. Sexual side effects were reported in 6% of people taking AUVELITY.‡ Sexual side effects may include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and problems with orgasm

Before starting AUVELITY, tell your healthcare provider about any medications you're currently taking, including any that contain bupropion or dextromethorphan. Also, be sure to give your healthcare provider a detailed medical history, including a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania. Your healthcare provider should take your blood pressure both before and during treatment with AUVELITY.

You should always take AUVELITY exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Typically, when you start AUVELITY, you take it once a day for the first 3 days. After that, you take it twice a day, with at least 8 hours in between.

You can take AUVELITY with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole and don't chew, cut, or crush the tablets. Do not take more than 2 pills within 24 hours.

If you miss a dose, don’t take an extra one to make up for it. Just take your next dose at the regular time and always follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not take more than 2 pills within 24 hours.

When taking AUVELITY, limit or avoid using alcohol. And if you usually drink a lot of alcohol, talk with your healthcare provider before suddenly stopping. If you suddenly stop drinking alcohol, you may increase your chance of having seizures.

Don't drive a car or use heavy machinery until you know how AUVELITY affects you. AUVELITY can affect your ability to do these things safely.

Don't take AUVELITY if you:

• have or had a seizure disorder
• have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• have recently suddenly stopped drinking alcohol or use medicines called benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiseizure medicines, and you have recently suddenly stopped taking them
• take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
• have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days
• are being treated with the antibiotic linezolid or intravenous methylene blue
• are allergic to dextromethorphan, bupropion, or any of the ingredients in AUVELITY. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in AUVELITY

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI or one of these medicines, including the antibiotic linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. Don't start AUVELITY if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days.

While the exact way that AUVELITY works to treat depression is unclear, it acts on multiple receptors in the brain, which affect certain brain chemicals.

AUVELITY is made up of 2 parts. Each part is thought to work on different receptors in the brain, which affect different brain chemicals. The 2 parts of AUVELITY are:

• Dextromethorphan: Dextromethorphan affects glutamate—your brain’s most abundant neurotransmitter. The problem is, when dextromethorphan is on its own, your body usually breaks it down too fast.
• Bupropion: Bupropion helps levels of dextromethorphan stay higher for longer than if dextromethorphan was given by itself. Bupropion affects brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine.

AUVELITY is an extended-release medication designed to slowly release the right amount of medication over the course of the day. The specific combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion was FDA-approved after extensive clinical trials of more than 1000 adults with MDD.

Yes! Find out about the AUVELITY Savings Card and see the savings offer and Terms and Conditions.

AUVELITY is a prescription medication. Your provider is the one to determine if it's right for you. Connect with our Nurse Navigators to find a healthcare provider covered by your insurance or to book an in-person or virtual appointment with your healthcare provider.