Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion) is a prescription oral tablet used to treat major depressive disorder (depression) in adults. It treats depression by affecting certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in your brain.
It’s not known exactly how Auvelity works to treat depression. But the drug is known to affect several neurotransmitters in the brain. (Neurotransmitters help your nerve cells communicate.)
Auvelity contains two active ingredients: dextromethorphan and bupropion. Dextromethorphan affects the neurotransmitters glutamate and serotonin. Bupropion affects the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Bupropion also stops your body from breaking down dextromethorphan too quickly. This helps dextromethorphan work better than if you took it on its own.
With depression, there could be changes in the way nerve cells in your brain communicate. This might affect nerve pathways that usually help manage your emotions, mood, thoughts, and behavior.
Auvelity’s effect on neurotransmitters may improve the function of these nerve pathways. This may help relieve depression.
Auvelity’s effect on glutamate seems to make it work faster than antidepressants that don’t affect this neurotransmitter.
To find out more about how Auvelity works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Auvelity may start working to reduce depression symptoms in about 1 week.
If you have other questions about what to expect from your Auvelity treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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