Auvelity: A Promising Treatment for Depression and Alzheimer's-Related Agitation
Dr. Danish and his team frequently work with patients experiencing depression. Auvelity (AXS-05), a combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion, is primarily used for treating depression. However, we are thrilled about the benefits it has shown in treating Alzheimer's-related agitation, a condition traditionally managed with antipsychotics, which are known to be more dangerous for this population. This blog dives into the research behind Auvelity in patients with agitation related to Alzheimer’s research.
What is Auvelity?
Auvelity, also known as AXS-05, is a novel medication that combines dextromethorphan and bupropion. It is primarily approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
How Auvelity Helps with Depression
Similar to how ketamine works for depression, Auvelity acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist and sigma-1 receptor agonist, mechanisms that contribute to its effectiveness in treating depression. Patients using Auvelity for depression often experience significant improvements in mood and overall mental health.
Benefits for Alzheimer's-Related Agitation
Recent research has shown that Auvelity can also substantially benefit patients with Alzheimer's disease who experience agitation. Agitation in Alzheimer's patients is characterized by emotional distress, aggressive behaviors, and irritability, which can significantly impact their quality of life and increase caregiver burden.
Research Findings
A Phase 3 clinical trial, known as ACCORD, evaluated the efficacy and safety of Auvelity in treating Alzheimer's-related agitation. Key findings include:
Significant Improvement: Patients treated with Auvelity showed a statistically significant improvement in agitation symptoms, starting as early as Week 1.
Reduced Risk of Relapse: Auvelity substantially delayed the time to relapse of agitation symptoms compared to placebo, with a 3.6-fold lower risk of relapse.
Safety Profile: Auvelity was generally well-tolerated, with no evidence of cognitive decline or sedation. Adverse events were similar to those experienced with placebo.
Getting in Touch with Dr. Danish and his Team
At Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, we take pride in our ability to practice the most subtle nuances of psychiatry, which is an inherently subjective field full of misdiagnoses and lazy and inaccurate assessment techniques. We want to provide the level of care we would want for our own family members. Our holistic and integrative approach ensures that we consider all aspects of our patients' well-being in developing personalized treatment plans. If you or a loved one are seeking support for PDA or similar conditions, please text or call 610-999-6414 to learn how we can help.
For more on this topic and related subjects, check out these blogs:
Here is a great blog on Auvelity and its efficacy, dosing, and side effects when used to treat depression.
Here is a series of blogs on ketamine and esketamine (Spravato), including which conditions it treats.
Here is a series of blogs that discusses various treatments for depression.
Sources
For more detailed information, please refer to the full research article: Efficacy and Safety Of AXS-05 in Agitation Associated with Alzheimer's Disease: Results From ACCORD, a Phase 3, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Relapse Prevention Trial.
