Uses
What is Auvelity used for?
Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion) is commonly used to treat a certain type of depression called Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Your Guide to Auvelity: What You Need to Know.
Auvelity may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Auvelity work (mechanism of action)?
Auvelity contains two medicines, called dextromethorphan and bupropion, that work on multiple receptors and chemicals in your brain to treat depression.
How is Auvelity supplied (dosage forms)?
Auvelity is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 45 mg/105 mg extended-release oral tablets
How should I store Auvelity?
Auvelity should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Auvelity?
The most common side effects of Auvelity are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Sexual problems such as decreased sex drive, delayed orgasm or unable to have an orgasm, or problems getting or keeping an erection
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
There may be other side effects of Auvelity that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Auvelity?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Auvelity are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Auvelity may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Auvelity and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Auvelity or other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of children, teenagers, or young adults in the first few months of taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior
Seizures. Some people who have taken Auvelity have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking Auvelity and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.
- Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
- Stiffening of your arms and legs
- Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Falling or losing consciousness
Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Auvelity may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.
If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.
- Sudden severe headache
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Blurry or other changes to vision
- Anxiety
- Buzzing in the ears
- Nosebleed
- Feeling of skipped heartbeats
Extremely Elevated Mood (Mania). People with bipolar disorder can have severe high and low moods. The first symptom of bipolar disorder may be depression. People with bipolar disorder who take an antidepressant, such as Auvelity, may have a higher risk of having mania or a manic episode. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a manic episode.
- Very increased energy
- Significant trouble sleeping
- Racing, fast-paced thoughts
- Reckless behavior
- Unusually grand ideas
- Excessive happiness or irritability
- Talking more or faster than usual
Unusual Thoughts or Behaviors. Auvelity may cause you to have unusual thoughts or behaviors. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Delusions (believing you are someone else)
- Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations
- Paranoia (feeling that people are against you)
- Feeling confused
Glaucoma. Auvelity may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen a certain type of eye problem called angle-closure glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma.
- Eye pain
- Changes in your vision
- Swelling or redness in or around your eye
Dizziness. Auvelity can make you dizzy or sleepy. Dizziness can increase your risk for falls. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Auvelity affects you.
Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Auvelity can cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Sweating, fever, or flushing
- Confusion
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Seeing or hearing unusual things
- Dizziness
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
- Seizures
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Auvelity?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Auvelity.
- Auvelity
- Dextromethorphan
- Bupropion
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Auvelity.
Drug Interactions. Auvelity should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Auvelity, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Do not take Auvelity if you have or have had one of the following conditions.
- Seizure disorders
- Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- Have recently suddenly stopped drinking alcohol
- Have recently suddenly stopped taking medicines called benzodiazepines, barbiturates, anti-seizure medicines, or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
What should I know about Auvelity before using it?
Do not take Auvelity unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Auvelity with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Auvelity out of the reach of children.
Swallow Auvelity tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or divide Auvelity extended-release tablets.
Auvelity can affect your alertness or coordination. It can also make you dizzy or sleepy. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Auvelity affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Auvelity?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Auvelity is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following.
- Seizures or convulsions
- Head injury
- Heart attack or heart problems
- Tumor in your nervous system (brain or spine)
- Stroke
- Low blood sugar
- Low sodium levels in your blood
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- History of falls
- Bipolar disorder, or a family history of bipolar disorder, suicide, or depression
- Glaucoma or high pressure in your eye
- Abuse or misuse of prescription medicines or street (illicit) drugs
Pregnancy. Auvelity may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Auvelity while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Auvelity, you can register for the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants by calling 844-405-6185 or at www.womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/. This registry collects safety information about the use of antidepressant medicines during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed during or for 5 days after your last dose of Auvelity. One of the ingredients in Auvelity, bupropion, passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Auvelity?
For more information about Auvelity, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.auvelity.com or call them at 866-496-2976.
Interactions
Does Auvelity interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Auvelity and foods or drinks.
Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Auvelity. If you usually drink a lot of alcohol, talk with your healthcare provider before suddenly stopping. If you suddenly stop drinking alcohol, you may increase your chance of having seizures.
Does Auvelity interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Auvelity interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Auvelity.
- A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
- Linezolid (Zyvox), which is an antibiotic
- Methylene blue (ProvayBlue), which is a medicine used for a blood condition called methemoglobinemia
- Other medicines containing bupropion or dextromethorphan
- Medicines used to treat mood, anxiety, psychotic or thought disorders
- A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
- A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
- Theophylline (Theo-24, Elixophyllin), which is a medicine for asthma or certain other breathing problems
- A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
- Oral diabetes medicines or insulin to control your blood sugar
- Medicines to control appetite (anorectic)
- Nicotine medicines to help you stop smoking
- Street (illicit) drugs
- A benzodiazepine, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium and others), or lorazepam (Ativan and others), which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures
- Sedatives-hypnotics (sleep medicines)
- A barbiturate, such as phenobarbital, butalbital, or primidone which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
- An opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, or fentanyl, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain
- Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that increase brain activity or help you stay awake, such as amphetamines
- Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
- Amantadine (Gocovri) or levodopa (Inbrija), which is a medicine for Parkinson’s disease
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Auvelity, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Auvelity. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Auvelity?
If you or someone else has used too much Auvelity, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Auvelity?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take more than 2 Auvelty tablets in the same day. At least 8 hours needs to pass between your doses. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.