ADHD Medication & Treatment

Azstarys Stimulant ADHD Medication

Generic Name: serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate capsules

What is Azstarys?

Azstarys is a once-daily central nervous system (CNS) stimulant ADHD medication approved for the treatment of ADHD symptoms in patients 6 years of age and older. Formerly referred to as KP415, Azstarys comprises serdexmethylphenidate (SDX), KemPharm’s prodrug of d-methylphenidate (d-MPH), co-formulated with immediate-release d-MPH. Like all methylphenidate-containing products, Azstarys is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence.

Azstarys Dosages Explained

Patients 6 to 12 years: The recommended starting dosage is 39.2 mg/7.8 mg orally once daily in the morning. Dosage may be increased to 52.3 mg/10.4 mg daily or decreased to 26.1 mg/5.2 mg daily after one week. Maximum recommended dosage is 52.3 mg/10.4 mg once daily.

Adults and Patients 13 to 17 years: The recommended starting dosage is 39.2 mg/7.8 mg orally once daily in the morning. Dosage may be increased after one week to 52.3 mg/10.4 mg once daily.

Azstarys can be taken with or without food. Patients may swallow capsules whole or open and sprinkle onto applesauce or add to water.

What are the Side Effects of Azstarys?

The most common side effects of Azstarys include:

decreased appetite
nausea or indigestion
weight loss
dizziness
mood swings
increased blood pressure
trouble sleeping
vomiting or stomach pain
anxiety
irritability
increased heart rate

Azstarys and Heart Problems

If you or your child has heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems, your doctor should check you or your child before and during taking Azstarys; increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest hospital emergency room if you or your child experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Azstarys.

Azstarys and Mental Illness

If you or your child has psychiatric problems, or a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression, tell your doctor before starting Azstarys. New or worse behavior and thought problems may occur, as well as new psychotic or manic symptoms. Call your healthcare provider right away if there are any new or worsening mental symptoms or problems during treatment.

Azstarys and Circulation Problems

Talk to your doctor before starting Azstarys if you or your child has circulation problems in fingers and toes. Fingers or toes may feel numb, cool, painful, sensitive to temperature, and/or change color from pale, to blue, to red. Call your healthcare provider right away if any signs of unexplained wounds appear on fingers or toes while taking Azstarys.

Azstarys and Growth in Children

Let your doctor know if your child is having slowing of growth (height and weight) while taking Azstarys. His or her height and weight should be checked often while taking Azstarys.

Azstarys and Pregnancy

Let your doctor know if you or your child is pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Azstarys may harm your unborn baby. Azstarys passes into breast milk – talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take Azstarys.

Precautions Associated with Azstarys

Do not take Azstarys if your or your child is allergic to any of the ingredients, including serdexmethylphenidate or methylphenidate. Azstarys should not be taken if you or your child is taking or have stopped taking within the past 14 days a medicine used to treat depression called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

Interactions Associated with Azstarys

Those taking antihypertensive drugs in additional to Azstarys should have their blood pressure monitored. The use of Azstarys should be avoided on the day of surgery if halogenated anesthetics will be used.