Unlock the Truth About Auvelity and Weight Management: Essential Facts Revealed!

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is more than just a passing "bad day;" it's a serious condition affecting millions. AUVELITY is a prescription oral medicine used to treat adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). An estimated 21 million adults in the US have experienced a major depressive episode. One of the first signs you may have MDD is that you feel down every day, for at least 2 weeks. It's a common form of depression that can be severe.

This article explores AUVELITY, a medication prescribed for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults, and its potential effects on weight. We'll delve into what the clinical trials reveal, how the medication works, potential side effects, and important precautions to consider.

Understanding Auvelity

AUVELITY (aw-VEHL-ah-tee) is a prescription oral medicine used to treat adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). It is not known if AUVELITY is safe and effective for use in children. AUVELITY is not approved for uses other than the treatment of MDD. The ingredients in AUVELITY, bupropion and dextromethorphan, are the same ingredients found in some other medicines approved for other uses. It is a combination oral tablet for depression containing dextromethorphan and bupropion that works differently from other antidepressants because it has a direct effect on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor as well as possibly other traditional neurotransmitter effects. It also works much faster than traditional antidepressants, and it does appear to be more effective. This medication became FDA approved for the treatment of MDD in adults in August 2022 and is the first oral NMDA receptor antagonist to be used in the treatment of MDD.

How AUVELITY Works

While the exact way that AUVELITY works to treat depression is unclear, it acts on multiple receptors in the brain, which affect certain brain chemicals. AUVELITY is made up of 2 parts. Each part is thought to work on different receptors in the brain, which affect different brain chemicals.

Dextromethorphan: Dextromethorphan affects glutamate-your brain’s most abundant neurotransmitter. The problem is, when dextromethorphan is on its own, your body usually breaks it down too fast.
Bupropion: Bupropion helps levels of dextromethorphan stay higher for longer than if dextromethorphan was given by itself. Bupropion affects brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine.

AUVELITY is an extended-release medication designed to slowly release the right amount of medication over the course of the day. The specific combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion was FDA-approved after extensive clinical trials of more than 1000 adults with MDD.

Read also: Auvelity and Body Weight

Dosing and Administration

Take AUVELITY exactly as instructed by your HCP. Take AUVELITY 1 time a day for 3 days, then increase your dose to 2 times a day (taken at least 8 hours apart). Do not take more than 2 AUVELITY tablets in 24 hours. If you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose. Wait and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take more than 1 dose of AUVELITY at a time. Do not change your dose or stop taking AUVELITY without talking to your HCP. Swallow AUVELITY tablets whole.

The starting dose is 1 tablet in the morning for 3 days. After 3 days, increase to the maximum dose of 1 tablet twice daily at least 8 hours apart.

Auvelity and Weight: What the Studies Say

In clinical trials of Auvelity, weight gain was not reported as a side effect. In fact, in trials of dextromethorphan/bupropion, the active ingredients in Auvelity, people lost a small amount of weight (about 0.4 to 1.3 pounds on average). In a 6-week study: People taking AUVELITY lost about half a pound, while those taking placebo gained about 1 pound, on average.

Potential Indirect Effects on Weight

Although weight loss is not a direct side effect of Auvelity, the drug can cause a decreased appetite. This could lead to weight loss in some people. Although Auvelity does not directly cause weight gain, it can cause certain side effects that could indirectly lead to weight gain, including insomnia and fatigue.

Insomnia and Fatigue: For example, not getting enough sleep can contribute to weight gain. This is because sleep affects your levels of the hormones leptin and ghrelin, which control feelings of hunger and fullness. Not sleeping enough can throw these hormones off balance and lead to overeating. Also, if you have insomnia or fatigue from Auvelity, you may feel too tired to exercise. In some people, this could lead to weight gain. People taking Auvelity may also take other medications that can cause weight gain. If you’re concerned about weight gain from any of the medications you take, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Taking Auvelity is not known to cause weight gain. However, some people may gain weight for indirect reasons. For example, you may make changes to your diet or exercise routine if you experience certain side effects, such as insomnia and fatigue, and those changes may lead to weight gain.

Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL

Important Considerations Before Taking Auvelity

Before starting AUVELITY, tell your healthcare provider about any medications you're currently taking, including any that contain bupropion or dextromethorphan. Also, be sure to give your healthcare provider a detailed medical history, including a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania. Your healthcare provider should take your blood pressure both before and during treatment with AUVELITY.

Contraindications

Do not take AUVELITY if you:

have or had a seizure disorder
have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
have recently suddenly stopped drinking alcohol or use medicines called benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiseizure medicines, and you have recently suddenly stopped taking them
take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days
are being treated with the antibiotic linezolid or intravenous methylene blue
are allergic to dextromethorphan, bupropion, or any of the ingredients in AUVELITY. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in AUVELITY

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI or one of these medicines, including the antibiotic linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. Don't start AUVELITY if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days.

Warnings and Precautions

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: AUVELITY (aw-VEHL-ah-tee) and other antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some children, adolescents, and young adults, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. AUVELITY is not for use in children. You should pay close attention to any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings or if you develop suicidal thoughts or actions. This is very important when starting or changing the dose of an antidepressant medicine.
Seizures: There is a risk of seizures during treatment with AUVELITY. The risk is higher if you take higher doses of AUVELITY, have certain medical problems, or take AUVELITY with certain other medicines. Do not take AUVELITY with other medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
Increases in blood pressure (hypertension): Some people may get high blood pressure during treatment with AUVELITY. Your HCP should check your blood pressure before you start taking and during treatment with AUVELITY.
Manic episodes: Manic episodes may happen in people with bipolar disorder who take AUVELITY.
Eye problems (angle-closure glaucoma): AUVELITY may cause a type of eye problem called angle-closure glaucoma in people with certain other eye conditions.
Dizziness: AUVELITY may cause dizziness which may increase your risk for falls.
Serotonin syndrome: A potentially life-threatening problem called serotonin syndrome can happen when you take AUVELITY with certain other medicines.

Other Medical Conditions

Tell your HCP about all your medical conditions, including if you:

have problems with your liver or kidneys.
have diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
have a history of seizure, stroke, eating disorder, head injury, or have a tumor in your brain or spinal cord.
have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
have low blood sugar, low blood sodium levels, or a history of falls.
you take certain other medicines that could interact with AUVELITY.
have or had a condition known as bipolar disorder, a family history of bipolar disorder, suicide, or depression.
have high pressure in the eye (glaucoma).

Interactions with Other Medications

Tell your HCP about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It is important to tell your HCP if you are taking: other medicines containing bupropion or dextromethorphan, medicines to treat depression, anxiety, psychotic or thought disorders, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, theophylline, corticosteroids, oral diabetes medicines or use insulin to control your blood sugar, medicines to control appetite (anorectic), nicotine medicines to help you stop smoking, street (illicit) drugs, benzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotic (sleep medicines), or opiates.

Potential Side Effects of Auvelity

The most common side effects of AUVELITY include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, feeling sleepy, dry mouth, sexual function problems, and excessive sweating. These are not all the possible side effects of AUVELITY. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects.

Sexual Side Effects

AUVELITY can be associated with sexual side effects. Sexual side effects were reported in 6% of people taking AUVELITY. Sexual side effects may include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and problems with orgasm. Sexual side effects are generally underreported because people may be hesitant to talk about them.

Serious Side Effects

AUVELITY may cause serious side effects. Ask your HCP how to recognize the serious side effects below and what to do if you think you have one:

Seizures. There is a risk of seizures during treatment with AUVELITY.
Increases in blood pressure (hypertension). Some people may get high blood pressure during treatment with AUVELITY.
Manic episodes. Manic episodes may happen in people with bipolar disorder who take AUVELITY.
Unusual thoughts or behaviors. One of the ingredients in AUVELITY (bupropion) can cause unusual thoughts or behaviors, including delusions (believing you are someone else), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), paranoia (feeling that people are against you), or feeling confused.
Eye problems (angle-closure glaucoma). AUVELITY may cause a type of eye problem called angle-closure glaucoma in people with certain other eye conditions.
Dizziness. AUVELITY may cause dizziness which may increase your risk for falls.
Serotonin syndrome. A potentially life-threatening problem called serotonin syndrome can happen when you take AUVELITY with certain other medicines.

Managing Your Weight While Taking Auvelity

While direct weight gain from Auvelity is unlikely, it's essential to be mindful of factors that could indirectly influence your weight:

Prioritize Sleep: Aim for consistent sleep patterns to regulate hunger hormones.
Maintain a Balanced Diet: Focus on nutritious foods to support overall health and manage appetite.
Stay Active: Regular exercise can help combat fatigue and support weight management.
Communicate with Your Doctor: Discuss any concerns about weight changes or side effects you experience.

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