Differences Between Azstarys and Vyvanse
Azstarys and Vyvanse are both used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but they are not the same. They differ in their composition and release mechanism. Azstarys is a combination of serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate, while Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine. Azstarys uses a multi-layered release system, providing an immediate and extended-release, whereas Vyvanse offers a prodrug delivery system, activated only when ingested and metabolised.
What Is Azstarys?
Azstarys is a prescription medicine typically prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. However, it is sometimes also used for children [1].
Azstarys contains two active ingredients. One is called serdexmethylphenidate and the other one is called dexmethylphenidate. Both are responsible for the effectiveness of the drug. In addition, both belong to the group of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants [1].
Azstarys is administered orally in the form of a capsule [1]. Upon its administration, the side effects one can experience vary, however, some common ones are:
- decreased appetite,
- nausea,
- vomiting
- or stomach ache.
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What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a prescription medication, used also to treat ADHD but also binge eating disorder [2, 3, 4].
The active ingredient in Vyvanse is called lisdexamfetamine and it is a type of amphetamine, a stimulant drug [2, 3, 4].
It is a type of stimulant that works by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine [5].
Interestingly, Vyvanse is a prodrug, which means that the drug is not active in the body until it is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and converted to the active component dextroamphetamine [6]. This conversion is done by breaking down the lisdexamfetamine into dextroamphetamine and the amino acid l-lysine [7].
The administration of Vyvanse is oral. It comes in the form of capsules and chewable tablets [3, 4].
It's important to note that Vyvanse is not approved for weight loss or to treat obesity. Using similar drugs for these purposes has caused serious heart problems [4].
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What Is The Difference Between Azstarys and Vyvanse?
Both Azstarys and Vyvanse are medications used to treat ADHD.
While there are two active ingredients in Azstarys - serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate, there is only one used in Vyvanse - lisdexamfetamine.
In addition, both of these drugs are prescription drugs and are administered orally [1, 2, 3, 4].
However, both act to treat patients with ADHD, by adjusting the chemicals in the brain which have the function to ameliorate the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour, symptoms typically present in patients with ADHD.