Efficacy and safety of dextromethorphan-bupropion combination (AXS-05) in the treatment of depression: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Indian journal of pharmacology July 1, 2025 J V Ashwin, Mohit Kumar Shahi, Astha Singh et al.
A network meta-analysis of two randomized controlled trials found that the dextromethorphan-bupropion combination (AXS-05) is more effective than either bupropion alone or placebo for treating major depressive disorder. Remission rates were 46.5% and 39.5% for the combination, compared to 16.2% for bupropion alone and 17.3% for placebo. Mild to moderate adverse events occurred more often with the combination (72.9%) than with bupropion alone (64.6%), but treatment discontinuation rates were not significantly different. The authors suggest AXS-05 is a promising treatment, though further research in larger, diverse populations is needed to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.