This article describes Azstarys’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Azstarys. If you want to know more about Azstarys, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Azstarys is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral capsule. It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes dosages of Azstarys.
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Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction
Azstarys has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Form and strengths of Azstarys
Azstarys comes as follows:
- Form: oral capsule, which you take by swallowing
- Strengths: 26.1 milligrams (mg)/5.2 mg, 39.2 mg/7.8 mg, 52.3 mg/10.4 mg
Strength is listed for the two active ingredients in Azstarys, which are serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate. (An active ingredient is what makes a medication work.).
Dosage of Azstarys
This article describes the recommended dosages for Azstarys. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Azstarys without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Azstarys in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Azstarys. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Azstarys that gives the desired outcome.
The table below outlines the recommended dosages of Azstarys in adults. Strength is listed for the two active ingredients in Azstarys: serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate.
Strength is measured in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD | 39.2 mg/7.8 mg, taken once per day in the morning | 52.3 mg/10.4 mg, taken once per day in the morning | 52.3 mg/10.4 mg, taken once per day in the morning |
Dosages of Azstarys in children
The table below shows the recommended dosages of Azstarys in children ages 6 years and older. Strength is listed for the two active ingredients in Azstarys: serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD in children ages 6–12 years | 39.2 mg/7.8 mg, taken once per day in the morning | 26.1 mg/5.2 mg–52.3 mg/10.4 mg, taken once per day in the morning | 52.3 mg/10.4 mg, taken once per day in the morning |
| ADHD in children ages 13–17 years | 39.2 mg/7.8 mg, taken once per day in the morning | 52.3 mg/10.4 mg, taken once per day in the morning | 52.3 mg/10.4 mg, taken once per day in the morning |
Dosage adjustments for Azstarys
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Azstarys based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- how well you respond to the medication
Missed dose of Azstarys
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Azstarys. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Azstarys and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Azstarys and its dosage.
How does the dosage of Azstarys compare with the dosage of Adderall or Vyvanse?
Azstarys, Adderall, and Vyvanse are all stimulant drugs that are used to treat ADHD. But the dosage of each can differ based on several factors, including:
- the strengths and dosage forms for each drug
- how severe your condition is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you take
- how well you respond to the drug
Like most drugs, the right dosage of these medications will be specific to each person.
With Azstarys, Adderall, or Vyvanse, doctors will usually start by prescribing a low dosage. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage that gives the desired outcome.
Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about how the dosage of Azstarys compares with the dosage of Adderall or Vyvanse.
Is Azstarys taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Azstarys as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Azstarys, talk with your doctor.
How Azstarys is taken
You’ll swallow Azstarys once per day in the morning. Taking it too close to bedtime may increase the risk of insomnia. Taking the medication around the same time each day can help the drug work more effectively.
You can take Azstarys with or without food. You should swallow the capsule whole with water. If you can’t swallow the capsule whole, you can:
- open it up and sprinkle the entire contents onto 2 tablespoonfuls of applesauce, or
- open the capsule and mix the entire contents with 2 ounces (about 50 milliliters) of water
If you do this, be sure to swallow all the applesauce or water mixture right away or within 10 minutes of mixing.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Azstarys coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of Azstarys
It’s important that you do not take more Azstarys than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Azstarys overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- fast, irregular heart rhythm
- high or low blood pressure
- vasospasm (sudden contraction of the artery walls)
- agitation
- confusion
- hallucinations
- serotonin syndrome
- seizures
- stroke
- heart attack
- hyperthermia (high body temperature)
- rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
- coma
- death
What to do if you take too much Azstarys
If you think you’ve taken too much Azstarys, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Azstarys. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Azstarys without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Azstarys exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How will you decide whether my dosage of Azstarys should be adjusted?
- Will a higher dose of Azstarys increase my risk of side effects?
- Will you change my dosage of Azstarys if I take other drugs with it?
Boxed warning for Azstarys
Azstarys has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Risk of misuse and addiction. Azstarys has a risk of misuse. Misuse means a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed.
Misusing any stimulant, including Azstarys, can cause serious side effects, overdose, and death. It can also lead to addiction. Addiction means taking a drug even if it’s causing harm.
These risks increase with higher doses of Azstarys, or when the drug is used in a way it’s not approved to be used, such as snorting or injecting it. Due to these risks, your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dosage of Azstarys and will monitor how you’re doing during treatment. Tell your doctor if you have any concerns about misuse or addiction.
Be sure to store Azstarys in a safe, locked, place. Do not share Azstarys with anyone else. Dispose of any unused or expired Azstarys safely.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about this warning.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.