Auvelity

• Risk factors: Age 24 years or younger

Antidepressant medications, like Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion), can raise the risk of having suicidal thoughts or behavior. The risk is higher for people under the age of 24. Watch for new or worsening depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior. Pay extra attention to your mood, especially during the first few months of treatment or if there's a dose change to your medication. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you notice any unusual changes in your mood or behavior, or if you have thoughts of wanting to harm yourself, while taking this medication.

• Risk factors: Taking more Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion) than recommended | History of seizures or eating disorders | Recently quitting alcohol or certain medications | Taking other medications that can cause seizures | Past head trauma or conditions that can cause seizures | Frequent alcohol, sedative, cocaine, or stimulant use | Taking insulin or blood sugar medications

Bupropion, one of the medications in Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion), can raise your risk of seizures. Seizures are unlikely if you take Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion) as directed by your provider. But your risk for seizures goes up if you take more than recommended. Don't take Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion) if you have a history of seizures or conditions that raise your risk of seizures (e.g., head trauma; eating disorders; stroke; recently stopping alcohol use; or take medications like benzodiazepines, barbituates, or seizure medications).

Before you start Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion), let your provider know your medical history and any medications or supplements you're taking. They can check if any of these things put you at higher risk for seizures. Let your caregiver or family members know about the possibility of seizures with Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion), so they can help you if you have a seizure. Stop taking Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion) and tell your provider right away if you think you've had a seizure while on treatment.

• Risk factors: High blood pressure | Taking other medications that can raise blood pressure

Bupropion can raise your blood pressure. Your risk is higher if you're also taking medications that can raise blood pressure, like nicotine replacement products and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as selegiline (Zelapar) and phenelzine (Nardil). That's why it's not recommended to take MAOIs within 14 days of Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion). Check your blood pressure often, and let your healthcare provider know if your blood pressure rises.

• Risk factors: Personal or family history of bipolar disorder | Depression or other mental health conditions | Taking more bupropion or dextromethorphan than recommended

Antidepressants, like Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion), can trigger mania or hypomania. This is more likely to happen if you or someone in your family have bipolar disorder. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you notice unusual changes in your behavior or thoughts. Get medical help right away if you feel extreme happiness, jumpy, irritable, or have racing thoughts.

Some people who’ve taken bupropion or dextromethorphan (especially higher doses of these medications) have experienced serious mental health side effects. Check to see if you're taking other medications that also contain bupropion or dextromethorphan, such as over-the-counter cough medications, so you don't end up taking too much. If you experience symptoms,such as hearing or seeing things that aren't there, confusion, and psychosis, stop taking Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion) right away and get medical help.

In rare cases, dextromethorphan can also cause people to become unresponsive or fall into a coma. Make sure your caregivers are aware of this, so they can find medical help for you if needed.

• Risk factors: Taking other medications that can affect the serotonin levels in your brain

Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition where there's too much serotonin active in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain responsible for your mood. Your risk goes up if you use Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion) with other medications that affect serotonin levels (other antidepressants, certain antinausea medications, triptans, St. John's wort). Symptoms of too much serotonin include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Tell your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

• Risk factors: Pregnancy

Based on animal studies, Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion) might cause harm to unborn babies when taken during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk with your provider about safer options to treat your depression. take this medication. If you become pregnant while taking Auvelity (dextromethorphan / bupropion), let your provider know right away.