Dextromethorphan-Bupropion for the Treatment of Depression: A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety in Clinical Trials.
CNS drugs October 1, 2023 Dania Akbar, Taeho Greg Rhee, Felicia Ceban et al.
A systematic review of five studies found that AXS-05, a combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion, rapidly reduces depression severity in adults with major depressive disorder who do not respond to standard antidepressants. Depressive symptoms measured on the MADRS scale decreased significantly compared to placebo as early as one week and compared to an active control at two weeks. The treatment effect was maintained for up to 12 months, with an average 23-point reduction from baseline. The therapy was well-tolerated with only transient side effects. These results support the role of glutamatergic and sigma-1 signaling pathways in depression.