Azstarys: Side effects, Uses & Dosage

Introduction

Azstarys

Azstarys is the trade name for the prescription drug for treating ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in youngsters and adults. ADHD is a psychological disease that frequently occurs in childhood and might continue in adulthood. Children with the condition have impulsive, overactive attitudes and lack concentration, while adults seem to have extreme impatience in any activity and difficulty recalling things. Pharmaceutical companies do not produce its generic form. Generic form of drug contains the identical component as the trade name drug. In 2021, the FDA approved Azstarys. ¹ Introduction| Researched based study from United States Food and Drug Administration

What kind of drug is Azstarys?

• Azstarys are from the CNS (central nervous system) stimulant drug class. Azstarys has two active components viz; dexmethylphenidate and serdexmethylphenidate ² Introduction| Researched based study from National Institutes of Health .
• Azstarys is a kind of stimulant medication viz; central nervous system stimulant to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in grown-ups and youngsters of six years and older.
• It functions by increasing the brain’s dopamine (natural substance) amount.

Mode of Action

Azstarys Mode of Action

• Azstarys is a central nervous system stimulant that helps handle the symptoms, but experts must further research to know the exact working of the medication.
• However, most scientists believe that in the body, dexmethylphenidate starts working instantly after taking it.
• At the same time, the other component, i.e., serdexmethylphenidate (active part), gradually transforms into dexmethylphenidate and controls the ADHD symptoms ³ Mode of Action| Researched based study from National Institutes of Health .

Dosage

Dosage of Azstarys

The physician will advise the appropriate dose based on the patient’s health condition, age, and other health issues. Initially, the doctor will start with a minimal amount and gradually adjust the correct dose for the patient.

Some of the commonly used dosages of Azstarys that doctors prescribe are listed below-

ADHD dosage

• Initial dose- 39.2 milligram (mg)/7.8 mg capsule once daily in the morning
• Dose after 7 days-52.3 milligrams (mg) /10.4 mg once daily in the morning

Youngster dosage (age 6 to 12 years)

• Initial dose-39.2 milligram (mg)/7.8 mg capsule once daily in the morning
• Maximum dose-52.3 milligram (mg) /10.4 mg once daily in the morning

The doctor might increase or decrease the dose after seven days based on the child’s improvement ⁴ Dosage| Researched based study from National Institutes of Health .

Uses

Uses of Azstarys

Azstarys treats ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in grown-ups and youngsters six years and above.

ADHD is a mental illness with the following symptoms –

• Poor memory
• Difficult concentration
• Inability to accomplish tasks
• Difficulty in following advice
• Disordered in keeping things
• Difficulty in finding things

For an individual to have ADHD disease, he must have the symptoms for more than six months with regular impact on everyday activities viz; workplace and home.

Research has indicated that Azstarys efficiently manage ADHD by enhancing dopamine between brain cells. Dopamine is the body’s natural substance that maintains the communication between the brain and other essential parts.

It is uncertain how dopamine manages ADHD symptoms, but studies have found that ADHD individuals lack dopamine receptors. Hence, increasing dopamine amount in ADHD individuals might improve the condition ⁵ Uses| Researched based study from National Institutes of Health .

Side Effects

Side Effects of Azstarys

Mild side effects

• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Decreased weight
• Stomach ache
• Rapid heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Nervousness
• Mood fluctuation
• Difficult sleeping
• Mild itching
• Skin rash

Serious side effects:

Mood disorder symptoms

• False perception of things
• Behavioral changes
• Hearing unusual voices
• Sudden deterioration of mood

Heart issue symptoms

• Chest tightness and aches
• Rapid heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Increased blood pressure

Increased heart rate symptoms

• Racing of heartbeat
• Lightheadedness
• Trouble breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Chest ache

Blood circulation issues symptoms

• Loss of sensation in toes and fingers
• Pale or blue fingers and toes
• Soreness

Elevated blood pressure Symptoms

• Nosebleed
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Unclear vision

Priapism (painful extended erection) Symptoms

• Penis soreness
• Penis erection for hours

Severe allergic reaction Symptom

• Hives
• Severe itching
• Swelling in face, lips, mouth
• Trouble breathing ⁶ Side Effects| Researched based study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center .

Formulation

Formulations of Azstarys

Azstarys are available in capsule form that one can swallow with plain water.

The available Azstarys’ powers (strength) are listed below-

• 26.1 milligram/5.2 milligram (serdexmethylphenidate 26.1 mg; dexmethylphenidate 5.2 mg)
• 52.3 milligram/10.4 milligram (serdexmethylphenidate 52.3 mg; dexmethylphenidate 10.4 mg)
• 39.2 milligram/7.8 milligram (serdexmethylphenidate 39.2 mg; dexmethylphenidate 7.8 mg) ² Formulations and Administration | Researched based study from National Institutes of Health .

Taking Azstarys

• Individuals can swallow Azstarys capsules with a glass of water.
• The physician advises the patient to take the medication daily in the morning and follow the prescribed doses.

Overdose

Overdose Toxicity of Azstarys

One must always take the prescribed dose of the medication, as excess intake can cause serious issues.

Some of the symptoms of overdose toxicity are listed below:

• Nervousness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Impatience
• Body shaking
• Confusion
• Increased blood pressure
• Extreme excitement
• Excessive sweating
• Rapid heart rate
• False perception of things
• Difficulty in muscle movement
• Nerve problem ⁷ Overdose| Researched based study from National Institutes of Health .

However, if one has accidentally taken excessive Azstarys, he must immediately dial 911 or call the emergency medical number based on the location.

Precautions

Azstarys Precautions

Although Azstarys is good at managing ADHD disease, it might not suit everyone. Speak to the health professional before taking Azstarys treatment if you suffer from any of the health issues listed below-

• Allergic to Azstarys or any of the components of the medicine
• Heart issue
• Depression
• Mood disorder (psychosis)
• Bipolar disorder (mental illness)
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate ⁸ Considerations | Researched based study from United States Food and Drug Administration .

In addition, precaution should be taken before using it in –

• Pregnant woman
• Nursing mothers

Pregnant woman

• There are inadequate studies on whether Azstarys are safe to consume during pregnancy.
• If one is pregnant or trying to start a family, consult the health professional if Azstarys is safe to consume during those times.

Nursing mothers

• No studies have validated whether Azstarys passes to the mother’s milk or is safe for the breastfed child.
• Nursing mothers or those scheduled to breastfeed must consult the physician about the potential risks and benefits to get accurate guidance ⁸ Considerations | Researched based study from United States Food and Drug Administration .

Warnings

Warnings for Azstarys

Azstarys has a severe boxed warning. Boxed warning is the FDA alert on drug use that can harm the body.

Risk of drug dependence (habituation)

• Azstarys are central nervous system stimulants that people can misuse or become dependent on. Drug misuse is when people consume it in a different way other than the doctor has prescribed. Drug dependence is when the individual must consume the drug to perform everyday activities.
• Sudden stopping of Azstarys can cause withdrawal symptoms in individuals, so always speak with the health professional if you opt to stop the medication. The doctor will recommend ways to stop the medicine ⁶ Warnings| Researched based study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center .

Some of the withdrawal symptoms that people mostly encounter are listed below-

• Extreme tiredness
• Difficult sleeping
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Frequent mood alteration
• Increased appetite ⁶ Warnings| Researched based study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center .

Interactions

Drug Interactions with Azstarys

Azstarys might interact with different drugs. Some common medicines that Azstarys might interact with are listed below-

• Anti- depressant medication (Zyvox, Nardil, Zelapar)
• Blood pressure medication (Zestril, Cozaar, Norvasc)
• Anesthetic drug (Forane, Ultane, Sojourn)
• Antipsychotic medication (Risperdal) ⁹ Interactions | Researched based study from Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

However, Azstarys might also interact with other drugs not listed above, so always speak to the health professional if you are on specific medication or are allergic to certain drugs to avert unnecessary complexities.

Alternatives

Alternatives to Azstarys

Other medications are also there to manage ADHD disease. Some may better suit one than another. However, individuals interested in finding an alternative to Azstarys must consult the health care professional to get the best fit based on their health condition.

Some examples of the alternatives of Azstarys are listed below-

• Intuniv
• Vyvanse
• Adderall
• Ritalin
• Strattera
• Kapvay
• Focalin
• Wellbutrin SR ¹⁰ Alternatives| Researched based study from ScienceDirect.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Azstarys

Q. How effective is Azstarys?

• Azstarys is an efficient medication for tackling ADHD disease. The medicine’s effect is maximal in the early morning after taking the drug. The drug’s effect remains for around twelve to thirteen hours post- drug intake.

Q. What are the benefits of Azstarys?

• The prime benefit of Azstarys is that it helps manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in youngsters and adults.

Q. What age is Azstarys approved for?

• The FDA-approved age for Azstarys treatment is six years and above for youngsters
• However, the drug is also FDA-approved for use in adults.

Q. Is ADHD treatment life long?

• ADHD is a persistent condition that has no known cure to date. Yet, individuals can manage the disease by continually taking the medication. However, the doctor will alter the dose at different times of one’s life based on the patient’s health issues and needs ¹¹ FAQs | Researched based study from ScienceDirect.

Takeaway

Take Azstarys as Prescribed by Doctor

• Azstarys is an FDA-approved drug to manage ADHD in youngsters of six years and above and grown-ups.
• Azstarys have adverse effects, and excess intake can cause serious health issues.
• Individuals with health ailments or on specific medication must inform the doctor to avoid potential complexities.
• Azstarys has the risk of drug habituation, so ensure to take the precise amount as the health professional advices.