Dextromethorphan/Bupropion: A Novel Treatment for Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
American Journal of Therapeutics January 1, 2024 Kristine C. Willett, LeDea R. Bond, Amanda M. Morrill et al.
The combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion (Auveulty) reduces depression symptoms in people with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder, with improvement observed as early as one week after starting treatment. In a phase 2 trial, the combination outperformed bupropion alone on the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impressions Severity scale. A phase 3 trial comparing the combination to placebo also showed significant reductions on those scales. Adverse effects were similar across groups. This combination offers a faster onset of action than standard treatments, which are effective in only 40%–60% of patients.