Auvelity XR Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Updated:

February 27, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Is Auvelity XR in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on availability, pricing, and what you can do to find and afford your antidepressant prescription.

Auvelity XR Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you take Auvelity XR for major depressive disorder, here's what you need to know about availability in 2026. Whether you're having trouble filling your prescription or just want to plan ahead, this guide covers the current status, pricing, and practical steps to stay on your medication.

Is Auvelity XR Still in Shortage in 2026?

As of early 2026, Auvelity XR is not listed on the FDA drug shortage database. This means there is no official, nationwide shortage of the medication. Axsome Therapeutics, the manufacturer, continues to produce and distribute Auvelity XR.

However, many patients are still experiencing difficulty finding Auvelity XR at their local pharmacies. This is a localized availability issue rather than a true manufacturing shortage — the medication exists in the supply chain, but not every pharmacy stocks it.

Why Is Auvelity XR Still Hard to Find at Some Pharmacies?

Even without an official shortage, several factors contribute to spotty pharmacy availability:

Wholesaler Allocation Limits

Pharmacies order medications through wholesalers, and these wholesalers may limit quantities of high-cost brand-name drugs. If a pharmacy hasn't previously stocked Auvelity XR, it may take additional time and effort to establish an ordering relationship.

Demand Exceeding Local Supply

As more doctors prescribe Auvelity XR — particularly psychiatrists treating patients who haven't responded to traditional antidepressants — demand in certain areas can exceed what local pharmacies have on hand.

Pharmacy Stocking Decisions

At roughly $900-$1,300 per month retail, Auvelity XR is an expensive medication for pharmacies to stock. Many pharmacies, especially chain locations, avoid carrying drugs they don't regularly dispense because of the financial risk.

How Much Does Auvelity XR Cost in 2026?

Without Insurance

The retail cash price for Auvelity XR typically ranges from $900 to $1,300 per month, depending on the pharmacy. This is for the standard maintenance dose of 45 mg/105 mg tablets taken twice daily.

With Insurance

Insurance coverage for Auvelity XR varies significantly by plan. Many insurers place it on a Tier 3 (preferred brand) or specialty tier, with copays ranging from $50 to $150+ per month. Most plans require:

  • Prior authorization — your doctor must demonstrate medical necessity
  • Step therapy — you may need to have tried and failed other antidepressants first (typically 1-2 SSRIs or SNRIs)

Savings Programs

Axsome Therapeutics offers an Auvelity Savings Card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost to as little as $10 per fill for eligible commercially insured patients. Visit auvelity.com/savings for details and to check your eligibility.

For uninsured or underinsured patients, the Axsome Patient Assistance Program may provide Auvelity XR at no cost for those who qualify based on income. Additional resources include NeedyMeds and RxAssist.

For a complete breakdown of savings options, see our guide: How to Save Money on Auvelity XR.

New Options in 2026

There is currently no generic version of Auvelity XR available, and none is expected in the near term due to patent protection. However, the antidepressant landscape continues to evolve:

  • More prescribers are gaining experience with Auvelity XR, which may improve pharmacy stocking as demand stabilizes
  • Telehealth platforms are increasingly offering Auvelity XR prescriptions, making it easier to obtain from psychiatrists experienced with the medication
  • Patient advocacy around antidepressant access continues to push for better insurance coverage

How to Find Auvelity XR in Stock Near You in 2026

If your pharmacy doesn't have Auvelity XR, here are actionable steps to find it:

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder is the fastest way to locate Auvelity XR in stock near you. Their dedicated team contacts pharmacies on your behalf — no need to make dozens of phone calls yourself.

2. Try Independent Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility with their inventory. They may already stock Auvelity XR or be willing to order it for you within a few business days.

3. Plan Ahead

Contact your pharmacy at least one week before your refill is due. This gives them time to order Auvelity XR from their wholesaler if they don't have it on hand. Don't wait until you're running out.

4. Ask About Specific Doses

If the pharmacy doesn't have one particular strength or count, ask if they have others available. Your doctor may be able to adjust your prescription slightly to match what's in stock.

Final Thoughts

Here are the key takeaways for Auvelity XR in 2026:

  1. Auvelity XR is not in a formal FDA shortage, but localized availability issues persist
  2. Retail pricing remains high at $900-$1,300/month, but savings programs can reduce your cost significantly
  3. No generic is available yet — the Auvelity Savings Card and patient assistance programs are your best options for reducing costs
  4. Use Medfinder to find Auvelity XR in stock near you without the hassle of calling pharmacies

For more information:

Is Auvelity XR still in shortage in 2026?

As of early 2026, Auvelity XR is not listed on the FDA drug shortage database. However, many patients still have difficulty finding it at local pharmacies due to limited stocking and wholesaler allocation. This is a localized availability issue, not a manufacturing shortage.

Why can't I find Auvelity XR at my pharmacy?

Most pharmacies don't stock Auvelity XR routinely because it's a newer, expensive brand-name medication. Wholesaler allocation limits and the high retail cost ($900-$1,300/month) make some pharmacies reluctant to keep it on the shelf unless they have regular demand.

Is there a generic for Auvelity XR?

No, there is no generic version of Auvelity XR available as of 2026. The medication is still patent-protected. Bupropion, one of its active ingredients, is available as a generic on its own but does not provide the same combined mechanism.

How much does Auvelity XR cost without insurance in 2026?

The retail cash price for Auvelity XR ranges from about $900 to $1,300 per month. The Auvelity Savings Card from Axsome Therapeutics may reduce your cost to as little as $10 per fill if you have commercial insurance. Uninsured patients may qualify for the Axsome Patient Assistance Program.

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