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Compare Daytrana vs. Adderall

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Daytrana (methylphenidate) and Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts) are both stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, but they have some key differences. Daytrana is a patch applied to the skin, while Adderall is a tablet taken by mouth. Daytrana is typically used for children ages 6 to 17, whereas Adderall can be used by both children and adults. Daytrana takes about 2 hours to start working and lasts up to 12 hours, while Adderall starts working within an hour and lasts about 4 to 6 hours. Daytrana is available as a lower-cost generic, and so is Adderall. Both medications can cause side effects like trouble sleeping and loss of appetite, but Daytrana might also cause skin irritation where the patch is applied. Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy, while Daytrana is not.

  • Daytrana (methylphenidate)
    Adderall
  • Daytrana (methylphenidate)
    Adderall

  • Summary of Daytrana vs. Adderall

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Daytrana, also known by its generic name methylphenidate, is a stimulant medication. It's used to treat children ages 6 to 17 years with ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). Daytrana is a patch that's applied on the skin once per day in the hip area. The patch is also available as a lower-cost generic. Treatment typically starts with a low dosage, and then the dosage is adjusted depending on how well the medication works to manage ADHD. Side effects include low appetite, headache, and nausea.

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Adderall is a stimulant medication that's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. It contains the instant-release (IR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is available as a brand-name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Your psychiatrist will adjust the dosage for you based on how well the medication works for you. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

  • Indications of Daytrana vs. Adderall

    Indications for
    •ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder) in children ages 6 to 17 years
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Daytrana vs. Adderall

    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •Patch allows for convenient once-a-day dosing
    •Available in different dosage strengths
    •Provides long-lasting symptom control for up to 12 hours
    •Good option for children who don't want to take pills
    Cons
    •Not approved for children younger than 6 years of age or adults
    •Might permanently lighten the color of your skin and irritate the skin
    •Dose needs to be adjusted slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
    •Has a risk for misuse and dependence, so it's a controlled substance
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice option for ADHD in children and adults
    •Starts working within an hour after taking
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can use together with behavioral counseling or other non-medication therapies to treat ADHD
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
    •Not available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))

  • Common Side Effects of Daytrana vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low appetite (26%)
    •Headache (up to 15%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 13%)
    •Nausea (up to 12%)
    •Feeling irritable (up to 11%)
    •Vomiting (up to 10%)
    •Weight loss (up to 9%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 7%)
    •Dizziness (up to 6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach
    •Lower appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Nervousness
    •Changes in mood
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Daytrana vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk for misuse and addiction
    •Risk for dependence and withdrawal
    •Risks for people with serious heart problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Risk for high pressure in the eye and for glaucoma
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and addiction
    •Dependence and withdrawal
    •Serious heart problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Daytrana vs. Adderall

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    Learn more about Adderall

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