Dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity) for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience July 17, 2023 B. McCarthy, Hannah Bunn, Morgan Santalucia et al.
Dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity), an FDA-approved treatment for major depressive disorder in adults, is an effective, fast-acting, and well-tolerated option. In a phase 3 trial, the 45–105 mg dose produced significant reductions in Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores compared to placebo. A phase 2 trial showed similar significant reductions versus bupropion alone. Improvements appeared within two weeks in both trials, with significantly higher remission and response rates. Two long-term open-label studies found large reductions maintained through 12 and 15 months, with remission rates approaching 70% and response rates above 80%. Common adverse events were mild-to-moderate.