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.
