Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat depression. The drug comes as an extended-release tablet. It’s usually taken twice per day.
This article describes the dosages of Auvelity, as well as its strength and how to take it. To learn more about Auvelity, see this in-depth article.
The table below lists the starting and maintenance dosages of Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion). All doses are listed in milligrams (mg), with the dose of dextromethorphan listed first and the dose of bupropion listed second.
| Starting dosage (days 1 to 3) | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|
| 1 tablet of 45 mg/105 mg once per day in the morning | 1 tablet of 45 mg/105 mg twice per day (at least 8 hours apart) |
Keep reading for more details about Auvelity’s dosage.
What is the form of Auvelity?
Auvelity comes as an extended-release tablet that you swallow. With extended-release medications, the drug is slowly released over a long period of time.
What strength does Auvelity come in?
Auvelity comes in one strength: 45 mg of dextromethorphan and 105 mg of bupropion.
What are the usual dosages of Auvelity?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for depression
When you first begin treatment with Auvelity, you’ll take one tablet of Auvelity once per day. You’ll take this tablet in the morning (or at the start of your day). Bupropion can cause restlessness, shaking, and difficulty sleeping, so doctors typically do not recommend taking it at bedtime.
Then from day 4, your doctor will likely recommend increasing your dosage to one tablet twice per day. There should be at least 8 hours between the two doses.
Taking one tablet twice per day is the maintenance dosage and the maximum dosage. You should not take more than two tablets in 24 hours.
Is Auvelity taken long term?
Yes, Auvelity is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you’ll take Auvelity, talk with your doctor.
Dosage adjustments
If you have moderate kidney disease, your doctor may recommend taking Auvelity once per day instead of twice per day.
If you have mild to moderate liver disease, your doctor will likely prescribe the typical dosage for you. But if you have severe liver disease, your doctor may recommend a different medication. This is because Auvelity wasn’t studied in people with severe liver disease.
If you have questions about Auvelity and the safest dosage for you, talk with your doctor.
The dosage of Auvelity you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
- other medications you may be taking
- genetic differences in how your body breaks down certain medications
- your kidney health (see “Dosage adjustments” above)
Auvelity comes as a tablet that you swallow whole. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablets. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
You can take Auvelity with or without food.
When you begin taking Auvelity, you’ll take a starting dosage of one tablet in the morning for 3 days.
Once you’ve reached the maintenance dosage of Auvelity, you’ll take two tablets daily. After you take your first tablet of the day, you’ll wait at least 8 hours to take your second tablet.
Try to take the medication on a regular schedule around the same times each day. This helps keep steady levels of the medication in your body so it can work most effectively.
If you miss a dose of Auvelity, skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once to make up for any missed doses. This can increase your risk of side effects from the medication.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Auvelity on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Auvelity than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Signs and symptoms of an overdose of Auvelity include:
- blurry vision
- fast heartbeat
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- nausea and vomiting
- problems with muscle coordination
- seizures
- slow, shallow breathing
- stupor or coma
What to do in case you take too much Auvelity
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Auvelity. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
People generally see a decrease in depression symptoms after about 4 to 6 weeks of taking Auvelity. Some people may even experience symptom relief as soon as 1 week of treatment with the drug.
But if you’ve taken Auvelity for several weeks and your depression doesn’t seem to be improving, talk with your doctor. They may suggest a different medication for your condition.
» More on this: How Auvelity Works, How Long It Takes to Work, and More
Auvelity’s manufacturer recommends taking your first dose of Auvelity in the morning every day. However, the manufacturer doesn’t give a reason for this recommendation.
You can take your second dose at night, as long as it has been at least 8 hours since your previous dose.
If you would prefer to take your first Auvelity dose at night, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help determine the best dosing schedule for your needs.
Medical PerspectiveMany drug labels say “take in the morning” because of how the drug works and the side effects it may cause, not because the clock time itself is medically important.
For people who work nights or have non‑traditional schedules, “morning” almost always means the start of their day, not sunrise.
The goal is usually to align the drug’s effects with your active hours or to prevent side effects from interfering with your sleep.
» Learn more: Understanding the Relationship Between Antidepressants and Insomnia
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Auvelity for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Auvelity without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Auvelity exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Should I avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Auvelity?
- Will you prescribe a lower dosage of Auvelity if I have high blood pressure?
- Does my dosage depend on other medications I’m taking?
Discover more about Auvelity
Auvelity is a combination pill that comes in one strength: 45 mg of dextromethorphan and 105 mg of bupropion. It’s taken once daily for the first 3 days of treatment, then increased to twice daily (at least 8 hours apart) as a maintenance dose.
While this standard dosing schedule applies to most adults, doctors might adjust the frequency if you have certain health conditions, including kidney problems.
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.
