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Brand: Auvelity
Published 2026-02-16 · Last reviewed 2026-02-23 · 4 references
Content sourced from FDA labeling (DailyMed) and peer-reviewed literature.
Dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity) is an oral combination antidepressant indicated for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults (label).
It combines dextromethorphan (an NMDA receptor antagonist and sigma-1 receptor agonist) with bupropion, which inhibits CYP2D6 to increase dextromethorphan exposure; this CYP effect is built into the medication’s design (label).
Because bupropion is part of the regimen, seizure risk and blood pressure effects are central safety topics; screening for contraindications and risk factors is typical before initiation (label/clinical).
As with other antidepressants, monitoring for suicidal thoughts and behaviors is emphasized during initiation and dose changes (label).
The dextromethorphan-bupropion compare view, evidence feed, and print page support medication selection in complex regimens.
Auvelity is a convenient oral option with a novel mechanism compared with standard monoamine reuptake inhibitors, but interaction management and bupropion-related contraindications (seizure risk, eating disorders) are common limiting factors in practice (label/clinical).
View labelExactRefer to the Glossary entry on Neurotransmitters for background on receptor systems involved in serious mental illness.
Dextromethorphan provides uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonism and sigma-1 receptor agonism, while bupropion contributes norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibition and CYP2D6 inhibition that increases dextromethorphan exposure (label/clinical).
The combination is often framed as targeting glutamatergic signaling and neuroplasticity pathways alongside monoaminergic effects, but clinical response still varies and requires follow-up like other antidepressants (clinical).