Dextromethorphan: How It Works, What It's Studied For & Safety
Dextromethorphan is an NMDA-receptor antagonist and sigma-1 modulator FDA-approved as an OTC cough suppressant; the active ingredient in Auvelity (with bupropion) for major depressive disorder. Clinicians consider it for cough suppression (FDA-approved OTC). Compounded variants are dispensed by Wells Pharmacy Network only after a clinician evaluation.
Also known as: DXM
How does Dextromethorphan work?
Dextromethorphan is a non-competitive NMDA-receptor antagonist and sigma-1 receptor agonist. Its central effects on glutamate signaling underlie both its cough-suppressant action and the antidepressant signal explored in Auvelity.
What is Dextromethorphan studied for?
- Cough suppression (FDA-approved OTC)
- Major depressive disorder (FDA-approved as Auvelity, in combination with bupropion)
- Off-label compounded preparations for selected mood and neuropathic-pain protocols
How is Dextromethorphan taken?
FDA-approved OTC oral preparations and the Auvelity combination tablet. Compounded preparations exist for selected clinician-directed protocols.
Is Dextromethorphan FDA-approved? Is it safe?
FDA-approved as a finished drug product when prescribed under its labeled indications. Compounded variants on this site are separate from the branded product and are dispensed only when a clinician determines a compounded preparation is appropriate. Risk of serotonin syndrome with concurrent SSRIs/MAOIs. Recreational misuse at very high doses can cause serious effects. Compounded prescription-only preparations are dispensed by Wells Pharmacy Network. Eligibility is decided by a licensed clinician based on intake and labs, not by checkout. Compounded products on this site are not FDA-approved and are not generic equivalents of any branded medication.
In the Regen Therapy catalog
This compound does not currently appear in an active Regen Therapy protocol. Browse the full catalog for adjacent options.
What does the research say about Dextromethorphan?
Strong evidence for cough suppression; phase-3 GEMINI trial supported the Auvelity approval.
Citations & further reading
Considering Dextromethorphan as part of a protocol?
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