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.
Auvelity is used in adults to treat major depressive disorder, which is commonly called depression.
Auvelity is a combination drug that contains two active ingredients: dextromethorphan and bupropion. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
It comes as an extended-release tablet that you swallow. “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
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.
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.
Can I take Auvelity at night?
You’ll take Auvelity once per day for the first 3 days. (If you have kidney problems, this may also be your ongoing dosage.) For this starting dosage, the manufacturer recommends that you take the drug in the morning. However, the manufacturer does not give a reason for this recommendation.
After 3 days, you’ll take two doses per day, with 8 hours between each dose. You may take your second dose at night, as long as it has been at least 8 hours since your previous dose.
If you have questions about the best time for you to take Auvelity, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you need help opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to provide an easy-open lid for the Auvelity bottle.
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.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Auvelity.
How long does Auvelity take to work?
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.
What does Auvelity cost?
The price you’ll pay for Auvelity can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if any), and the pharmacy you use. To save money on your Auvelity prescription, explore the coupon options below.
Save on your Auvelity prescription
Save on Auvelity without insurance.
Enter your information:
Location
47201
Dosage
45-105mg auvelity (57 Tablets)
Save money without using insurance
Simply show the Optum Perks coupon at your preferred pharmacy or order online and instantly save up to 80% without using insurance. The coupon doesn't expire so be sure to save it for refills.
Retail price refers to the manufacturer’s published list price and is up to date as of 3/2023. Retail and discounted prices are U.S.-only and can vary based on region and pharmacy. We cannot guarantee that the discounted price listed here will exactly match the price at your pharmacy. Please contact your pharmacy for the exact price.
Optum Perks and Healthline are subsidiaries of RVO Health.
Pricing source:Perks.optum.com
Discover more about Auvelity
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?
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
