Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for depression in adults. It comes as an extended-release (ER) oral tablet that’s typically taken twice per day. The dosage can vary depending on several factors.
Auvelity is a combination of two drugs: dextromethorphan and bupropion. Dextromethorphan belongs to a drug class called antitussives, and bupropion belongs to a drug class called antidepressants. Auvelity is not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Auvelity, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Auvelity, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Auvelity provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Auvelity, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
The information below describes Auvelity’s typical dosage and other details about the drug.
Auvelity form
Auvelity comes as an extended-release (ER) oral tablet. With ER medications, the drug is slowly released into your body over time.
Auvelity strength
Auvelity comes in one strength: 45 milligrams (mg) of dextromethorphan/105 mg of bupropion.
Typical dosages
Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for depression
Doctors may prescribe Auvelity to treat depression in adults.
The typical starting dose of Auvelity is one tablet taken once daily in the morning. After 3 days, your doctor will typically recommend increasing your dosage to one tablet taken twice daily. (This is the typical recommended dosage of Auvelity for people with depression.) These doses should be taken at least 8 hours apart.
Long-term treatment
Auvelity is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Auvelity is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Before you start taking Auvelity, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
The Auvelity dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- your age
- how your body responds to Auvelity
- other medications you take
- side effects you may have with Auvelity
- your liver/kidney function
- your genetics
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Auvelity dosage.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage if you take certain medications, such as CYP2D6* inhibitors or inducers. These drugs can affect the level of Auvelity in your body. To find out what drugs may interact with Auvelity, see this article.
Your doctor may also need to adjust your dosage if you have severe liver damage or kidney disease.
Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take and any health conditions you may have.
* CYP2D6 is an enzyme (a type of protein) in your liver that breaks down medications.
Auvelity comes as an extended-release (ER) oral tablet that you swallow whole. Do not divide, crush, or chew the tablet. You may take your dose with or without food.
It may be helpful to take Auvelity around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Auvelity can work effectively.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have questions about how to use Auvelity, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Auvelity in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you miss a dose of Auvelity, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one.
Separate your two doses of Auvelity by at least 8 hours, and do not take more than two doses in 1 day. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you don’t take more Auvelity than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
Symptoms of an overdose
Overdose symptoms of Auvelity can include:
- seizures
- hallucinations
- abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
- muscle pain
- faster heartbeat than usual
- severe nausea and vomiting
- serotonin syndrome
If you take more than the recommended amount of Auvelity
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Auvelity. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Auvelity.
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
Can I take my dose of Auvelity at night?
Yes, you can take a dose of Auvelity at night. The typical maintenance dose is one tablet taken twice daily. You can take one dose in the morning and one dose at night. Your doctor will likely recommend that you wait at least 8 hours after your first dose before taking your second dose.
What is the recommended maximum dosage of Auvelity?
The recommended maximum dosage of Auvelity is one tablet taken twice daily. Typically, doctors prescribe a starting dosage of one tablet taken once daily. Then, they may increase the dosage to a maintenance dose of one tablet taken twice daily. For details about Auvelity dosage, see the “Auvelity dosage” section above.
If you have questions or concerns about your dosage of Auvelity, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Auvelity for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Auvelity without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Auvelity that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Auvelity. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Auvelity. For information about other aspects of Auvelity, refer to this article.
- Cost. If you’d like to learn about Auvelity and cost, see this article.
- Details about depression. For details about depression, see our depression hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.