Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are both stimulant medications used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 years and older. 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. Vyvanse, on the other hand, is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine and is also approved to treat moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Azstarys is only available as a brand-name medication, while Vyvanse is also available in generic form. Common side effects of Azstarys include low appetite, difficulty sleeping, and increased heart rate, while Vyvanse can cause dry mouth, irritability, and weight loss. Both medications have a risk of misuse and dependence, and they interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and medications that affect serotonin levels, which can lead to serotonin syndrome.
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.
Summary for Stimulant
Prescription only
Vyvanse, the brand name for lisdexamfetamine, is a stimulant medication. It's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older. It can also treat binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) comes as capsules and chewable tablets. It's taken once per day in the morning. The dosage starts low and gets adjusted based on how you respond to the medication. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.
Indications of Azstarys vs. Vyvanse
Indications for
•ADHD in adults and children ages 6 years and older