April 30 FDA approved

Salliek

FDA Approves First Non-Antipsychotic Drug to Treat Agitation Associated with Dementia

Russinator

According to ChatGPT: Here’s the clear, accurate version:

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration did approve the first non-antipsychotic drug for agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. 
• The drug is called Auvelity (a combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion). 
• This approval was announced in late April 2026. 

Why this is a big deal

• Before this, the only FDA-approved drug for this condition was an antipsychotic (brexpiprazole / Rexulti, approved in 2023). 
• Antipsychotics carry serious risks in older adults with dementia (including increased mortality). 
• Auvelity is not an antipsychotic, so it offers a different (and potentially safer) approach. 

Bottom line

✔️ Your statement is accurate:
Auvelity is the first FDA-approved non-antipsychotic medication for agitation associated with Alzheimer’s dementia.

harshedbuzz

This would be great if it offers relief without the scary Black Box Warning. The more options the better. My bad; it does have a Black Box Warning for suicide.

FYI— This medication is already being used for major depressive disorder. It's a combination of 2 older medications— Wellbutrin (treats MDD, SAD and smoking cessation) and dextromethorphan (cough suppressant).

I would be concerned about the cost $1200/month and potential side effects especially from the dextromethorphan which include confusion and hallucinations. I wonder if the formula could be safely replicated using cheaper versions— generic Wellbutrin (generally under $20/30 days) and OTC store brand cough syrup.

My dad's geripsych added Wellbutrin to his treatment in an attempt to overcome some of his apathy. The doc used the term activate when prescribing. It did nothing to get dad off the couch, but it did lessen his drive for alcohol which we took as a win.

HB