Azstarys 39.2 mg – what it means (and what it doesn’t)
Azstarys is a prescription ADHD medication that contains two active ingredients:
- Atomoxetine (a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor)
- Dextroamphetamine (a central nervous system stimulant)
It is not available in a 39.2 mg capsule. The FDA‑approved strengths are:
| Atomoxetine (mg) | Dextroamphetamine (mg) | Capsule |
|------------------|------------------------|---------|
| 12.5 mg | 25 mg | 12.5/25 |
| 25 mg | 50 mg | 25/50 |
| 50 mg | 100 mg | 50/100 |
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Why you might have seen “39.2 mg”
| Possibility | Explanation |
|-------------|-------------|
| Typo or transcription error | The number 39.2 is close to the maximum daily dose of 39.2 mg (i.e., 25 mg atomoxetine + 50 mg amphetamine ≈ 75 mg, but the daily dose can be 25/50 mg or 50/100 mg). |
| Mis‑reading the label | The label for the 25/50 mg capsule shows “25 mg atomoxetine” and “50 mg dextroamphetamine”. |
| Different formulation | No other Azstarys product contains a 39.2 mg dose. |
If you saw “39.2 mg” in a prescription or label, double‑check with the prescribing clinician or pharmacist—there may have been a misunderstanding.
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Typical dosing schedule (adults & children 6‑17)
| Age group | Starting dose | Titration | Target dose | Maximum dose |
|-----------|---------------|-----------|-------------|--------------|
| Adults | 12.5 mg atomoxetine / 25 mg amphetamine (once daily, morning) | Increase 12.5/25 mg every 3–5 days | 25/50 mg (most patients) | 50/100 mg |
| Children 6‑11 | 12.5/25 mg | Increase 12.5/25 mg every 3–5 days | 25/50 mg | 50/100 mg |
| Children 12‑17 | Same as 6‑11 | Same | 25/50 mg | 50/100 mg |
The dose is titrated up slowly to minimize side effects. The medication should be taken once daily in the morning to avoid insomnia.
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How to take Azstarys
1. Swallow whole – do not crush or chew the capsule; the extended‑release formulation relies on intact coating.
2. Timing – take in the morning. Taking late in the day can cause difficulty falling asleep.
3. Food – can be taken with or without food. Eating may slightly reduce peak plasma levels, but this is usually not clinically significant.
4. Missed dose – if you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose. Skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule—do not double‑dose.
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Common side effects
| Category | Examples |
|----------|----------|
| Central nervous system | Insomnia, headaches, irritability, nervousness, anxiety |
| Gastrointestinal | Decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain |
| Cardiovascular | Increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure |
| Other | Dry mouth, dizziness, tremor |
If you develop severe anxiety, panic attacks, chest pain, or a sudden change in mood, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
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Drug interactions
| Substance | Interaction | What to watch for |
|-----------|-------------|------------------|
| MAO‑inhibitors | ↑ risk of hypertensive crisis | Avoid combined use |
| SSRIs / SNRIs | ↑ risk of serotonin syndrome | Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia |
| Beta‑blockers | ↓ effectiveness of dextroamphetamine | Consider dose adjustment |
| Stimulants (e.g., other ADHD meds) | ↑ cardiovascular side effects | Monitor heart rate / BP |
| Alcohol | ↑ sedation | Limit alcohol use |
Always inform your prescriber of all medications and supplements you are taking.
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Contraindications
- Severe cardiovascular disease (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, recent myocardial infarction, angina)
- Hyperthyroidism (especially uncontrolled)
- Pregnancy (especially 2nd‑3rd trimester) – potential fetal harm; discuss alternative therapies
- History of substance misuse – dextroamphetamine has abuse potential
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Storage
- Keep in the original container.
- Store at room temperature (20–25 °C / 68–77 °F).
- Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not freeze or expose to extreme heat.
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Is Azstarys a stimulant?
Yes. It contains dextroamphetamine, which is a stimulant. It differs from atomoxetine (Strattera) because of the added stimulant component. The combination aims to improve symptom control with a lower total dose of dextroamphetamine, potentially reducing stimulant‑only side effects. However, it still carries the typical risks associated with stimulants—tolerance, potential for abuse, and cardiovascular effects.
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Quick FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|----------|--------|
| Can I take it on an empty stomach? | Yes, but if you notice headaches or stomach upset, try taking it with a light meal. |
| Do I need a prescription renewal? | Yes, Az