Impact of AXS-05 (DEXTROMETHORPHAN-BUPROPION), an Oral NMDA Receptor Antagonist, on Anhedonic Symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder
CNS Spectrums April 1, 2023 Amanda Jones, Roger S. McIntyre, Mark Jacobsen et al.
AXS-05 (dextromethorphan-bupropion) rapidly and significantly reduced anhedonic symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder. In a 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 327 participants, those receiving AXS-05 showed a mean reduction of 4.44 points on the MADRS anhedonia subscale at Week 1 versus 2.69 points for placebo, and a reduction of 9.70 points at Week 6 versus 7.22 for placebo. Response rates were significantly greater for AXS-05 from Week 1 onward. Common adverse events included dizziness, nausea, and headache.