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Compare Adderall vs. Azstarys

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts) and Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate) are both stimulant medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but they have some key differences. Adderall is available in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) forms, while Azstarys combines an immediate-release stimulant with an extended-release stimulant in one medication. This means Azstarys starts working faster, within 30 minutes, and lasts up to 13 hours, whereas Adderall IR starts working within an hour and lasts 4 to 6 hours, and Adderall XR lasts all day. Adderall is available as a lower-cost generic, but Azstarys is only available as a brand-name medication. Both medications have similar side effects, such as trouble sleeping and loss of appetite, and both carry risks of misuse and dependence. However, Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy, while Azstarys is only approved for ADHD.

  • Adderall
    azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate / dexmethylphenidate)
  • Adderall
    azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate / dexmethylphenidate)

  • Summary of Adderall vs. Azstarys

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Adderall is a stimulant medication that's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. It contains the instant-release (IR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is available as a brand-name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Your psychiatrist will adjust the dosage for you based on how well the medication works for you. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate / dexmethylphenidate) is a combination stimulant medication that's used for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has two ingredients: serdexmethylphenidate (an extended-release stimulant) and dexmethylphenidate (an immediate-release stimulant). This combination of ingredients allows Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate / dexmethylphenidate) to start working quickly and also last throughout the day. Common side effects of the medication include low appetite, keeping you awake at night, and raised blood pressure and heart rate. Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate / dexmethylphenidate) can be used for adults and children 6 years and older.

  • Indications of Adderall vs. Azstarys

    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)
    Indications for
    •ADHD in adults and children ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Adderall vs. Azstarys

    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice option for ADHD in children and adults
    •Starts working within an hour after taking
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can use together with behavioral counseling or other non-medication therapies to treat ADHD
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
    •Not available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •Taken once per day
    •Can take with or without food
    •Can open capsules and sprinkle contents into water or applesauce
    •Starts to work within 30 minutes and lasts throughout the day
    Cons
    •Has risks of misuse and dependence
    •Is a controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get the prescription filled
    •Dose needs to be adjusted slowly to avoid side effects
    •Available as a brand-name medication only

  • Common Side Effects of Adderall vs. Azstarys

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach
    •Lower appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Nervousness
    •Changes in mood
    •Trouble sleeping
    Common Side Effects for

    Reported in at least 5% of people in studies:

    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Indigestion
    •Vomiting
    •Low appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Anxiety
    •Sudden changes in emotions
    •High blood pressure
    •Fast heart rate

  • Warnings of Adderall vs. Azstarys

    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and addiction
    •Dependence and withdrawal
    •Serious heart problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Serious heart-related problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Slowed growth in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Adderall vs. Azstarys

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