Has your doctor prescribed this medication for you or your child for ADHD ? It's normal to have some concerns and fears when using this type of medication. So, today we'll talk briefly about this medication called Serdexmethylphenidate; Dexmethylphenidate , commonly known by the brand name Azstarys. Let's see what it does, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
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What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medication is used to treat a condition called Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD ) . A person with this condition has difficulty paying attention, is restless, and exhibits impulsive behavior.
This medication belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants. It works by changing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain, improving attention span and helping to control restless and impulsive behavior .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before deciding if this medication is right for you, it is important for your doctor to know your complete health history . Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Quality type | What you need to inform |
|---|---|
| Heart and blood circulation |
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| Mental health |
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| Other important points |
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Check Availability →How exactly do I use this medicine?
It is very important to follow the exact instructions for using this medicine.
- Take with water: Take this capsule with a glass of water.
- At the same time every day: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day as much as possible. This will help keep the medicine working at the same level.
- Swallow the capsule whole: Do not crush, crush, or crush the medicine. Swallow it whole.
- If you have difficulty swallowing:If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, carefully open the capsule, mix the medicine powder inside with a teaspoon of applesauce, and swallow immediately . But do not chew the medicine powder .
- With or without food: This can be taken before or after meals. If you experience stomach upset, take it with food.
If you are giving this medicine to children, especially children under the age of 6, talk to your doctor about it and follow his instructions exactly.
Overdosage
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Can this interact with other medications? (Interactions)
Yes, this medicine can interact with some other medications. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Type of medicine | Description |
|---|---|
| MAOI-type antidepressants | Taking these two together can cause blood pressure to rise dangerously. |
| Other stimulants | Other stimulants for ADHD, weight loss, or insomnia. |
| Medicines for blood pressure and heart disease | The effectiveness of medications may vary. |
| General anesthetics | Tell your doctor if you are taking this medicine before surgery. |
| Risperidone | This is a medicine for mental illness. |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, herbal products, alcohol, or tobacco you are taking.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular medical check-ups : After starting the medication, meet with your doctor to discuss your condition. Tell him/her whether your symptoms are improving or worsening.
- Risk of addiction: There is a risk of addiction (dependence) and abuse (abuse) with this medicine. Therefore, do not take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will monitor you for this as well.
- Behavioral changes:
If you notice any new or worsening changes in your or your child's behavior, for example, agitation, depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual aggression, call your doctor immediately.
- Effects on sleep: This medication may interfere with sleep, so do not take it in the evening or close to bedtime. It is usually recommended to take it in the morning.
- Finger problems: Tell your doctor if you notice any unexplained sores , numbness, pain, paleness, or blueness in your fingers or toes.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Allergic reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, dizziness, chest pain. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, severe headache. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Severe anxiety, agitation, depression, suicidal thoughts. |
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How to keep medicine safe?
It is very important to keep this medicine safe.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Keep it locked up in a safe place. Protect it from theft, as there is a risk of misuse of this medicine.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), away from light and moisture, and keep the bottle tightly closed to prevent air leakage.
- Throw away expired medication.
How do you get rid of unused medicine?
It is important to properly dispose of unused or expired medications. These can be very dangerous if they fall into the hands of someone else, especially a child.
- Ask your doctor about the correct way to remove these.
- Sometimes, you may be advised to crush the medication and mix it with something like coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put it in a bag, and throw it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and only in the prescribed dosage.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and medical conditions you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as behavioral changes, severe depression, or changes in heart rate.
- Keep the medicine in a very safe, lockable place, out of the reach of children. Never share it with others.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
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