Key takeaways

  • Common side effects of Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion) include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, and dry mouth.
  • Serious side effects are uncommon, but possible. These risks include seizures, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
  • Most side effects of Auvelity are temporary and typically occur during the first few weeks of treatment. Many side effects go away on their own as your body adjusts to the medication, while others are usually treatable.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Auvelity treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:

  • dizziness
  • headache
  • diarrhea
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth

The following sections include more side effects of Auvelity. Each person’s experience with side effects may differ.

Mild side effects have been reported with Auvelity. These include:

  • excessive sweating
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • diarrhea
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • difficulty sleeping
  • tiredness
  • sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction
  • low appetite

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary, and some may be managed easily. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop Auvelity treatment unless your doctor recommends it.

Auvelity may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Serious side effects have been reported with Auvelity. These include:

If you develop serious side effects while taking Auvelity, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911. Or call your local emergency number.

See the “Side effects explained” section to learn more about seizures and the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Experiencing side effects? After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking this drug and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Auvelity’s side effects.

It isn’t likely. Weight loss and weight gain were not reported in studies of Auvelity. However, because Auvelity can cause appetite loss, some people may lose weight while taking it.

In addition, weight changes can occur in people with MDD, which Auvelity is prescribed to treat.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your weight while taking Auvelity.

It’s possible. Although it wasn’t reported in studies, Auvelity may cause antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (also known as antidepressant withdrawal). These are symptoms that can occur because you suddenly stop taking an antidepressant. They occur because of how the drug works in your body to change certain neurotransmitter levels in your brain.

Typically, withdrawal symptoms can include:

It’s not recommended to suddenly stop taking Auvelity or other antidepressants. If you no longer wish to take Auvelity or other antidepressants, talk with your doctor first. They’ll take you off the medication slowly to decrease your risk of antidepressant withdrawal symptoms.

Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about withdrawal symptoms.

It depends. Certain side effects will last a few days. Others may continue for weeks or months.

Long-term side effects can also occur. These are side effects that may not go away, sometimes even after you stop taking the drug. They may start at any time during your treatment, even if you’ve taken the drug for a long time.

Examples of long-term side effects reported in Auvelity’s studies include:

Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible side effects of Auvelity and how long they may last.

Learn more about some of the side effects Auvelity may cause.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Auvelity has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Studies included people taking medications similar to Auvelity (antidepressants). In these studies, people ages 24 years and younger were reported to have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. People with MDD were also more likely to have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Suicidal thoughts can sometimes be a symptom of MDD. Typically, this risk is also higher during the first few months of treatment and when the dose is changed. It’s unknown whether this risk continues with long-term use of Auvelity and other antidepressants. Long-term use is usually beyond 4 months.

Auvelity is not approved for use in children.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Seizure

Seizure was a rare side effect reported in studies of Auvelity. Before a seizure, you may experience symptoms such as:

  • dizziness
  • vision changes
  • headache
  • sudden twitching of arms and legs
  • mood changes

Multiple factors can increase your risk of seizures. Some of these risk factors include:

  • taking higher doses of Auvelity
  • having certain medical conditions, including seizure disorders, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa
  • taking Auvelity with certain other medications, including those that contain bupropion

What might help

Talk with your doctor about your health history and the medications you take. Be sure to include prescription medications, supplements, and over-the-counter medications.

Certain seizures can be considered a medical emergency. If you experience symptoms of a seizure, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Be sure your doctor is aware that you’ve had a seizure. They can help you determine whether Auvelity is still the right drug to manage your symptoms.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Auvelity can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies, but it has occurred since the medication was approved.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue with Auvelity.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

Your doctor can confirm whether you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Auvelity. If so, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Auvelity can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Auvelity is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Auvelity. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

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.