amphetamine
Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) is a stimulant medication. It helps treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children 6 years and older. It comes as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). This means that it dissolves quickly when it's placed on the tongue. You take the medication once a day in the morning. Your prescriber can adjust the dosage based on how well it's working and what side effects you might have. Possible side effects include trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and high blood pressure. Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) is a brand-name medication; there's no generic version yet.
What is Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine)?
What is Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) used for?
- Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older
How Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) works
Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) is a stimulant medication. It's not exactly known how it works to help with ADHD. But researchers do know that it raises how much norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin is in the brain. These chemicals are thought to play a role in how well you pay attention.
Drug facts
Risks and warnings for Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine)
Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of misuse and addiction
- Risk factors: History of substance or alcohol use disorder | Taking more Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) than prescribed
Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) has a high risk that it could be misused. Misusing this medication can be harmful and lead to serious side effects. These include fast heart rate, high blood pressure, nightmares, aggressive behavior, and even thoughts of hurting yourself or others. It can also raise your risk of addiction and a deadly overdose.
To stay safe, take Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) exactly as prescribed to you. Don't change the dose or how often you take it without talking to your prescriber first. Talk to your prescriber if you're worried about these risks.
Risks to people with serious heart conditions
There have been reports of sudden death in people with certain heart problems taking stimulants like Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine). Before starting this medication, tell your prescriber about any heart issues that you have. This can include coronary artery disease (CAD) or heart rhythm problems. Also let them know if you have any problems with the structure of your heart. Your prescriber can make sure Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) is safe for you.
Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
Your blood pressure and heart rate can go up while taking stimulants like Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine). On average, blood pressure can get 2 mmHg to 4 mmHg higher. And, heart rate can get 3 to 6 beats per minute faster.
Let your prescriber know if you have high blood pressure or a history of having a fast heart rate. They can make sure Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) is safe for you. Tell your care team if your blood pressure is higher than normal or if you feel your heart racing.
Strange thoughts or behaviors
- Risk factors: History of psychotic episodes or other manic psychiatric conditions | Personal or family history of depression | Family history of suicide or bipolar disorder
Stimulants like Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) can sometimes make you act strange or have unusual thoughts. This can include being irritable, acting recklessly, or having too much energy. Some people might start to see or hear things that aren't there (hallucinations). And others might start to have delusions, or believe things that aren't true.
Although rare, changes in thoughts and behaviors can happen in people who've never had these problems before. But they can be worse or more likely to happen if you already have a mental health condition like psychosis or bipolar disorder. Your prescriber will check your risk before you start Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine).
If you start acting in a strange way or have unusual thoughts, tell your prescriber. You might need to stop taking Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine).
Slow growth in children
Stimulants like Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) have been linked to weight loss in children. There's also a possibility that children might grow in both height and weight more slowly. Your child's care team will measure their height and weight often. If your child isn't growing as well as they should, their primary care provider might say to take a break from the medication.
Speak to your child's primary care provider or prescriber if you notice your child has lost a lot of weight. Talk to their care team if you're worried about your child's growth.
Problems with blood flow in the arms and legs, including Raynaud's phenomenon
Stimulants such as Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) have been linked to problems with blood flow in the arms and legs. This includes Raynaud's phenomenon, which affects blood flow to your fingers and toes.
Raynaud's phenomenon can make your fingers and toes change color from pale, to blue, to red. They can also hurt or feel cold or numb. These symptoms happen with changes in how much blood gets to your fingers and toes. Symptoms are usually mild and they happen every so often. But rarely, it can lead to other problems like sores or tissue damage.
Tell your care team if you have any of these symptoms while taking Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine). Usually, they get better after your prescriber lowers your dose or after you stop the medication.
Serotonin syndrome
- Risk factors: Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within 14 days of Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) | Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in your brain
There's a risk of a rare but serious problem called serotonin syndrome if you take Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) with some other medications. Serotonin syndrome happens when there's too much serotonin in the brain.
Medications that raise the risk of this problem are those that make serotonin levels go up in the brain. Some examples are antidepressants, MAOIs, and migraine medications called triptans. Let your care team know about all the medications you take or plan to take. They can look for drug interactions and make changes to keep you safe if needed.
Get medical help right away if you have signs of serotonin syndrome. Watch for signs like a fast heart rate, sweating, high fever, stiff muscles, changes in behavior, and confusion.
Side effects of Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Children 6 to 12 years old:
- Low appetite (22%)
- Trouble sleeping (17%)
- Stomach pain (14%)
- Mood swings (9%)
Children 13 to 17 years old:
- Low appetite (36%)
- Trouble sleeping (12%)
- Stomach pain (11%)
- Weight loss (9%)
Adults:
- Dry mouth (35%)
- Low appetite (33%)
- Trouble sleeping (27%)
- Headache (26%)
- Weight loss (10%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision or other changes in vision
Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Changes in thoughts or behaviors: manic episodes, hallucinations, delusional thinking
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, fever, stiff muscles, muscle spasms, confusion
- Allergic reaction: rash; hives; trouble breathing; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
The following Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Increase in blood pressure
- Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome
- Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Prolonged or painful erection
- Raynaud syndrome—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
- Seizures
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Loss of appetite with weight loss
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Trouble sleeping
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Pros and cons of Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine)
Pros
- Taken once a day
- Good option for people who can't swallow pills whole
- Can help you pay attention for up to 12 hours
Cons
- Is a controlled substance, so there are special requirements to get it filled
- Must take gradually lower doses to stop the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms
- Can cause higher blood pressure
Pharmacist tips for Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine)
- Keep the Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) tablets in the blister pack until you're ready to take the medication. This helps prevent the tablets from getting wet and dissolving before you can take them.
- Take Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) in the morning as soon as you wake up. Taking it later in the day can make it harder for you to sleep well at night.
- How to take out Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) from the blister: Use dry hands to peel the backing of the blister and take out a tablet. Don't push it through the foil because that might make the tablet break.
- How to take Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine): Place the whole tablet on the tongue. Let the tablet dissolve without crushing or chewing it. Don't swallow the tablet whole.
- You can take Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) with or without food. But try not to eat too many acidic things. This includes fruit juice, citrus fruits, and other foods rich in vitamin C. They might make the medication not work as well.
- Take Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) exactly like how your prescriber tells you. Don't change your dose or stop taking it suddenly without talking to them first. If you do, you might have withdrawal symptoms. You might start to feel uneasy, be very tired, or have trouble sleeping. Your prescriber will help you lower the dose slowly to stop safely. Follow their instructions carefully.
- It's common to not feel as hungry while taking Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine). When you do eat, make sure your diet is balanced so you're getting enough nutrition. Talk to your care team if you're worried about your nutrition.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine). Mixing alcohol with stimulant medications can make you feel dizzier. It can also make your heart have to work harder. Talk to a healthcare professional if not drinking is a problem for you.
- Avoid driving the first few days after starting Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) and after your dose changes until you know how it affects you. The medication might make you dizzy and cause blurry vision. This can make driving dangerous.
- Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you take or plan to take. Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) can interact with other medications, which can be harmful. Examples include some antidepressants and blood pressure medications. Your care team can check your medications are safe to take together.
- Speak to your prescriber if you have tics or Tourette syndrome. Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) might make these problems worse, so your prescriber can help you figure out the best plan for you.
Common questions about Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine)
Yes, Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) is a type of stimulant. It works in the brain to help with ADHD. Like other stimulants, Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) has many side effects and risks. Talk to your prescriber to learn about the risks and benefits of taking this medication. They can help you decide if it's best for you.
It can take about 45 to 60 minutes for Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) to kick in. Take the medication in the morning when you wake up. That why, the medication can help you focus by the time you start school or work.
Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) can help you pay attention for up to 12 hours after you take it.
Don't swallow the Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) tablet whole. It's a special kind of tablet called an orally disintegrating tablet, or ODT. Place the tablet on the top of the tongue and wait for it to melt before you swallow. Your saliva will help dissolve the tablet. Don't chew or crush any tablet pieces when you do swallow. Talk to your prescriber if you have other questions about how to take Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine).
No. Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) does the opposite and can keep you awake. Some people can have trouble sleeping (insomnia) after taking the medication. This is even more likely if you take it later in the day. That's why it's best to take Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) in the morning right when you wake up. Talk to your prescriber if Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) is making it hard for you to sleep at night.
It's generally recommended to limit how much coffee you drink while you're taking Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine). This is because caffeine and stimulants have similar side effects. They can make you jittery, have higher blood pressure, and have trouble sleeping. If you usually drink a lot of coffee every day, talk to your prescriber about how much less you should drink. They can also suggest other options if you need more help staying awake or alert.
No. Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) and Adderall are both stimulants that can help treat ADHD. Adderall comes in immediate-release (Adderall IR) and extended-release (Adderall XR) pills. These pills are swallowed whole. But Adzenys XR-ODT only comes as a long-acting medication. More specifically, Adzenys XR-ODT is a tablet that's designed to dissolve on the tongue. This could make Adzenys XR-ODT a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole. Ask your prescriber to compare the medications and see which is right for you.
Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are both stimulants. They're both first-choice ADHD medications that people 6 years and older can take once a day. Adzenys XR-ODT is a tablet that you place on the tongue and wait for it to dissolve. It can help people pay attention for about 12 hours. For Vyvanse, it comes as a capsule that you swallow whole. But there are other options if you have trouble swallowing pills whole. You can either open the Vyvanse capsule and sprinkle the contents onto applesauce. Or, you can switch to the Vyvanse chewable tablet. Vyvanse can last up to 14 hours. Vyvanse is also approved to treat binge eating disorder in adults. Talk to your prescriber to compare the medications. They can help you decide which is right for you.
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Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) dosage
Orally disintegrating tab| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1mg | 30 orally disintegrating tabs | $170.99 | $5.70 |
| 6.3mg | 30 orally disintegrating tabs | $148.06 | $4.94 |
| 9.4mg | 30 orally disintegrating tabs | $148.06 | $4.94 |
| 12.5mg | 30 orally disintegrating tabs | $162.33 | $5.41 |
| 15.7mg | 30 orally disintegrating tabs | $162.33 | $5.41 |
| 18.8mg | 30 orally disintegrating tabs | $162.33 | $5.41 |
Typical dosage for Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine)
- Children ages 6 years and older: The typical starting dose is 6.3 mg dissolved on the tongue once a day in the morning. For children ages 6 to 12 years old, the maximum dose is 18.8 mg per day. And for those between 13 and 17 years old, the maximum dose is 12.5 mg per day.
- Adults: The typical dose is 12.5 mg dissolved on the tongue once a day in the morning.
How much does Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) cost?
Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to amphetamine products
- Currently take or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), linezolid (Zyvox), or methylene blue (ProvayBlue) in the last 14 days
What are alternatives to Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine)?
Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) images
