Whenever a new antidepressant becomes available, patients will want to know what it is like to take it. For this reason, we bring you this discussion of the Auvelity experience for patients in terms of how the medication works, how long it takes to work, and what side effects you might experience. Additionally, we will discuss why, for most patients, TMS and Spravato are usually more appropriate and better treatment options.
What Is Auvelity?
Auvelity is an antidepressant medication that was recently approved by the FDA. Auvelity combines dextromethorphan and bupropion in a tablet format. It works by targeting glutamate receptors in the brain, which research suggests may not work properly in patients with Depression.
How Does Auvelity Work? Is It an SSRI?
Auvelity is not a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). Unlike many antidepressants, whose primary focus is on monoamine neurotransmitters such as serotonin, Auvelity targets N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and Sigma-1 receptors. This mechanism of action makes it slightly similar to Spravato, but while Spravato has to be given as a nasal spray and administered under the supervision of a medical professional, Auvelity is a prescription tablet that patients can take at home.
Studies on the Efficacy of Auvelity: Phase 2 and Phase 3 Clinical Trials
Auvelity’s phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials showed promising results for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder that were reviewed during the process of its FDA approval. Both of these clinical trial phases used the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) to evaluate how patients were doing during the trials.
Phase 2 was a randomized, double-blind controlled trial with 80 patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Those patients that received dextromethorphan-bupropion had higher rates of remission, from week 2 onward, compared with those who received sustained-release bupropion. Response rates at six weeks were also higher in the dextromethorphan-bupropion group.The most common side effects included nausea and anxiety.
The phase 3 trial was another randomized, double-blind controlled trial, this time with 327 patients with MDD receiving either dextromethorphan-bupropion or a placebo. Improvement in the dextromethorphan-bupropion exceeded that of the placebo group from week 1 onward, and the most common side effects were similar to those found in the phase 2 trial.
These study results suggest that a significant number of MDD patients taking Auvelity experience relief from their symptoms without severe side effects.
What Is the Auvelity Experience Like for Patients?
When it comes to the Auvelity experience for patients, first, patients can expect that Auvelity, as a new antidepressant, will likely not be the first antidepressant prescribed to them. This is in part because newer antidepressants tend to be more expensive, so out of consideration for their patients’ finances, providers may wish to try a more established antidepressant, perhaps one that is available as a generic, first.
If you do begin taking Auvelity, your experience may potentially include side effects such as dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, and anxiety, among others. You should report any side effects to your treatment provider.
Does Auvelity Work for Treatment-Resistant Depression?
In spite of its known effectiveness for MDD, Auvelity has not yet been shown to be effective for treatment-resistant Depression (TRD). This is an important distinction between Auvelity, and other treatments such as TMS and Spravato. TMS and Spravato have been shown to be effective for TRD.
Mid City TMS Can Help You Find the Right Treatment for Your Depression
Mid City TMS follows research on Depression treatment, including when new medications are approved, to add to our knowledge of how we can help our patients. The treatment options we offer include antidepressant medications, but also other FDA-approved treatments including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Esketamine (Spravato). Unlike Auvelity, TMS and Spravato have both been demonstrated to be effective for Treatment Resistant Depression. Mid City TMS’ team will work with you to figure out the best course of treatment for your Depression, and can offer you help even if you have tried many different treatments in the past without success. Reach out to us today to find out how relief is possible.