Auvelity vs Spravato
A side-by-side look at two mental health medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Auvelity | US Spravato | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | dextromethorphan/bupropion | esketamine |
| Drug class | NMDA Antagonist / Aminoketone Combination | NMDA Receptor Antagonist |
| Treats | Major depressive disorder | Treatment-resistant depression |
| Category | Mental Health | Mental Health |
| Manufacturer | Axsome Therapeutics | Janssen |
| Year approved | 2022 | 2019 |
| FDA warning | Black box warning | Black box warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $50M | — |
| Common side effects | Dizziness, Headache, Diarrhea, Sleepiness | Sedation, Dissociation, Abuse and misuse potential, Increased blood pressure |
Frequently asked questions
Is Auvelity or Spravato better?
Neither is universally "better." Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion) and Spravato (esketamine) are both used for mental health, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Auvelity and Spravato?
Auvelity is a NMDA Antagonist / Aminoketone Combination made by Axsome Therapeutics, while Spravato is a NMDA Receptor Antagonist made by Janssen. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Auvelity has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.