Compare Azstarys vs. Adderall

Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate) and Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts) are both stimulant medications used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, they differ in several ways. Azstarys is a combination of serdexmethylphenidate, an extended-release stimulant, and dexmethylphenidate, an immediate-release stimulant, allowing it to start working quickly and last throughout the day. In contrast, Adderall contains instant-release forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts, typically requiring multiple doses per day. Azstarys is only available as a brand-name medication, while Adderall is available in both brand-name and lower-cost generic forms. Azstarys is taken once daily, whereas Adderall may be taken once or twice daily, depending on the formulation. Common side effects of both medications include low appetite, insomnia, and increased heart rate. Both medications have a risk of misuse and dependence, and they can interact with other medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).