methylphenidate
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.
What is Daytrana (methylphenidate)?
What is Daytrana (methylphenidate) used for?
- ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder) in children ages 6 to 17 years
How Daytrana (methylphenidate) works
Daytrana (methylphenidate) is a stimulant medication. It's not exactly known how Daytrana (methylphenidate) helps to improve attention and focus. But it's thought to work by raising the levels of chemicals in your brain called norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.
Drug facts
More on Daytrana (methylphenidate) essentials
Risks and warnings for Daytrana (methylphenidate)
Daytrana (methylphenidate) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk for misuse and addiction
- Risk factors: History of substance or alcohol use disorder | Taking more Daytrana (methylphenidate) than prescribed
Daytrana (methylphenidate) has a risk for misuse and addiction. Misuse is when a medication is used differently than how it's prescribed. Misusing Daytrana (methylphenidate) can raise your risk for serious side effects such as fast heart rate, high blood pressure, aggressive behavior, and even thoughts of hurting yourself. In addition, misusing Daytrana (methylphenidate) can sometimes lead to addiction. Take Daytrana (methylphenidate) exactly as prescribed. Speak with your child's prescriber if you're concerned about this risk.
Because of the risk for misuse and addiction, store Daytrana (methylphenidate) in a safe place out of reach from children, pets, and visitors. Don't give the medication to anyone else. If your child no longer needs Daytrana (methylphenidate), dispose of the patches through a take-back program. You can also remove the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch from the pouch, fold it in half with the sticky sides touching each other, and flush it down the toilet. This lowers the risk for accidental overdose and helps prevent medication misuse.
Risk for dependence and withdrawal
- Risk factors: Suddenly stopping Daytrana (methylphenidate)
Taking Daytrana (methylphenidate) for a long period of time can put people at risk for dependence. This means that over time, people can become physically dependent on Daytrana (methylphenidate) to function normally. Physical dependence is usually related to having withdrawal symptoms, like irritability, nightmares, and sleep problems, if people take the medication for a long time and then suddenly stop or suddenly lower the dose. Make sure to take Daytrana (methylphenidate) exactly as prescribed. Don't change the dose or how often you take without talking to the prescriber first.
Risks for people with serious heart problems
- Risk factors: History of heart problems
There have been reports of sudden death and heart attack in people with a heart condition who took stimulant medications like Daytrana (methylphenidate) at usual doses. This medication can also raise blood pressure and heart rate.
Tell your child's prescriber if your child has a history of heart problems before treatment starts to make sure Daytrana (methylphenidate) is safe to take. Your child's prescriber will check for heart problems before starting treatment. Your child might not be able to take Daytrana (methylphenidate) if they have serious heart problems.
Let your child's prescriber or primary care provider know if your child experiences unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat during treatment with Daytrana (methylphenidate). The care team can check your child's heart to make sure everything is okay.
Aggressive behavior and psychosis
- Risk factors: History of psychotic episodes, bipolar disorder, or other mental health or mood-related conditions
Some people who've taken a stimulant like Daytrana (methylphenidate) can have mental health problems, such as hallucinations (seeing things that aren't really there), aggressive behavior, unclear thinking, and mania. This medication can worsen mood-related problems that your child already has, but these changes in behavior can also happen even if they haven't had these problems before. Talk to your child's prescriber right away if your child develops these mood or behavior changes during treatment with Daytrana (methylphenidate). Your child might have to stop the medication.
Slowed growth in children
In studies, stimulants like Daytrana (methylphenidate) slowed the growth rate (both in height and weight) and caused weight loss in children. Let your child's pediatrician or primary care provider know that your child is taking Daytrana (methylphenidate). They'll need to check your child's growth progress closely. Your child might need to briefly stop or completely stop taking Daytrana (methylphenidate) if there's a possibility of any slowed growth that's happened. Talk to your child's primary care provider if you have any concerns.
Seizures
- Risk factors: History of seizures | High risk of seizures
Although rare, taking stimulants like Daytrana (methylphenidate) might raise the likelihood of having a seizure more easily, especially if your child had seizures before. Get medical help right away if your child has a seizure. Your child will probably have to stop taking Daytrana (methylphenidate) if a seizure happens during treatment.
Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
Daytrana (methylphenidate) might be linked to poor blood circulation problems, such as Raynaud's phenomenon. People with Raynaud's phenomenon can have episodes of poor blood flow in the fingers and toes, which can cause the skin to turn pale and to feel cold, numb, or painful. Symptoms are usually mild. But rarely, it can cause sores or ulcers in more serious cases. Let your child's prescriber know if your child complains about instances of numbness or pain in the fingers or toes. Your child's prescriber might need to lower the Daytrana (methylphenidate) dose or consider a different medication.
Risk for high pressure in the eye and for glaucoma
Although rare, some people who took methylphenidate medications like Daytrana (methylphenidate) reported developing higher pressure in the eyes, which can lead to glaucoma. Make sure your child visits their optometrist for regular eye exams. Speak with the optometrist if your child reports any changes in vision during treatment.
Drug interactions
Daytrana (methylphenidate) can interact with many medications. For example, Daytrana (methylphenidate) can counteract (work against) the effects of many blood pressure medications. This means that blood pressure medications might not work as well if they're taken with Daytrana (methylphenidate). Additionally, taking Daytrana (methylphenidate) with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can raise the risk of having severely high blood pressure, so it's best to avoid this combination. Discuss with your child's care team about all the medications they take (including over-the-counter medications and supplements) before and during treatment with Daytrana (methylphenidate).
Side effects of Daytrana (methylphenidate)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- 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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Nervousness
- Application site reaction (e.g., redness, itchy)
- Rash
Daytrana (methylphenidate) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reactions: rash; hives; swelling or blisters where the patch is applied; difficulty breathing; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart problems: heart attack, fast heart rate, high blood pressure
- Brain-related problems: seizures, stroke
- Mental health-related problems: manic episodes, changes in thoughts or behavior, hallucinations
- Prolonged and painful erection (lasting several hours)
- Accidentally take too much medication (overdose): restlessness, quick breathing, fast heartbeat, irritability, aggression, fever
More on Daytrana (methylphenidate) side effects
The following Daytrana (methylphenidate) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Aggressive and violent behavior
arm, back, or jaw pain
black, tarry stools
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
blood in the urine
bloody nose
chest pain or discomfort
chest tightness or heaviness
chills
confusion
cough or hoarseness
cracks in the skin
crying
depersonalization
dizziness
dysphoria
euphoria
fainting
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
flu-like symptoms
heavier menstrual periods
joint or muscle pain
loss of heat from the body
nervousness
paranoia
pinpoint red spots on the skin
quick to react or overreact emotionally
rapidly changing moods
red, irritated eyes
red, swollen skin
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
severe or sudden headache
skin rash or itching
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
sudden loss of coordination
sudden slurring of speech
sweating
twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare
Convulsions
difficulty with breathing
high fever
increased sweating
loss of bladder control
severe muscle stiffness
tiredness
uncontrolled vocal outbursts or tics (uncontrolled repeated body movements)
unusually pale skin
Incidence not known
Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
difficulty with swallowing
hives, itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
swollen glands
tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold
troubled breathing with exertion
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Abdominal or stomach pain
decreased weight
difficulty with moving
drowsiness
headache
loss of appetite
muscle pain or stiffness
redness of the skin
trouble sleeping
vomiting
welts
Incidence not known
Bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)
bleeding, bruising, burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
blurred or loss of vision
disturbed color perception
double vision
halos around lights
increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
night blindness
overbright appearance of lights
thinning of the hair
tunnel vision
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Daytrana (methylphenidate)
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
Pharmacist tips for Daytrana (methylphenidate)
- Review the instructions for use for the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to apply or remove it.
- Apply the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch to the hip area 2 hours before you need the medication's effects to start. Wear the patch for up to 9 hours. Applying the patch later in the day or keeping the patch on for longer than 9 hours can raise the risk for side effects, like trouble falling asleep at night.
- How to apply the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch: Put the sticky side of the patch to clean, dry, and cool skin on the hip. Firmly press down on the patch and make sure the edges are smoothed down. Alternate areas on the hip where you place the patch each day to prevent skin irritation.
- How to remove and throw away the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch: Slowly peel the patch off. Fold it in half so that the sticky sides are pressed together. Then, flush the patch down the toilet.
- Don't cut the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch. Also, don't get the patch exposed to any direct heat (e.g., heaters, electric blankets). And don't cover the patch with bandages or tape. In all of these situations, extra medication can get released from the patch and raise the risk for serious side effects or life-threatening overdose.
- Don't apply lotions, creams, and oils on the skin where you're going to apply Daytrana (methylphenidate). They can make the patch stick less well. Also be aware that bathing, swimming, and showering can make the patch stick less well. Don't try to reapply the patch in any way if it starts to fall off. Take the patch off and place a new one to a different area on the hip.
- There might be skin redness, small bumps on the skin, or other skin irritation where you applied the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch. Contact the prescriber right away if there's any swelling or blistering. These might signs of a more serious problem, like an allergic reaction.
- Sometimes, Daytrana (methylphenidate) can make the color of the skin under or near where the patch is placed lighter. This can be permanent. The risk is higher for children with vitiligo. Call the prescriber right away if you notice lighter areas of skin.
- Stimulants like Daytrana (methylphenidate) tend to lower appetite, which can potentially lead to weight loss. Make sure your child follows a nutritious and balanced diet. Let the prescriber know if your child seems to have lost their appetite or have had concerning weight changes during treatment.
- If your child can drive, your child should avoid driving during the first few days after starting treatment with Daytrana (methylphenidate) and after dose changes until they know how the medication affects them. This medication might cause dizziness and blurry vision, which can affect how well they're able to drive safely.
- Daytrana (methylphenidate) might worsen tics and Tourette syndrome. Talk to a healthcare professional if your child has these problems so they can see whether this medication is right for them.
- Take Daytrana (methylphenidate) exactly as prescribed. Don't change the dose or stop taking the medication without talking to the prescriber first. Doing so can lead to bothersome withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, tiredness, changes in sleep patterns, and depression.
Common questions about Daytrana (methylphenidate)
Yes. Both the Daytrana brand-name patches and generic methylphenidate patches are still available on the market.
Yes. The Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch is available as a lower-cost generic.
It takes about 2 hours for the effects of Daytrana (methylphenidate) to kick in. This is why you should apply the patch to the skin about 2 hours before the time you need the medication's effect to start, such as before school.
When you wear a Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch for 9 hours, the effects of the medication can last for up to 12 hours. Make sure to take off the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch at the 9-hour mark. Keeping the patch on for too long raises the risk for side effects like trouble falling asleep at night.
Daytrana (methylphenidate) is FDA-approved for children ages 6 to 17 years old only. It's not recommended for adults to use Daytrana (methylphenidate) patches because this hasn't been studied, so it's not known how well the patches will work for adults. Additionally, studies show that methylphenidate products might not work as well as amphetamine medications like Adderall for adults with ADHD. Speak with your prescriber about your options if you're looking for an ADHD medication that's available as patches for adults, such as Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine).
No, don't cut Daytrana (methylphenidate) patches in half. Cutting the patch can damage it and make too much medication get released from the patch too quickly. This can raise the risk of having a life-threatening overdose. Contact the prescriber if the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch is too big for your or your child's liking. Also speak with the prescriber if you're concerned that the dose for your child's Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch is too high. The prescriber can discuss about available options.
Apply the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch onto the skin of your child's hip. After applying the patch, press it down firmly so that the whole patch, including the edges, sticks to the skin well. Make sure to apply the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch to clean, dry, and cool skin. Don't put the patch over skin that has powder, lotion, or oil on it. Choose a different area on the hip to apply the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch to each day to lower the risk of skin irritation.
The only similarity between Daytrana and Adderall is that they're both types of stimulants that can be used to treat ADHD. The active ingredient in Daytrana is methylphenidate. And for Adderall, it's a mixture of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Daytrana is a patch that's applied to the skin once per day, whereas Adderall is a tablet that's taken by mouth once or twice per day. Studies show that amphetamine products (like Adderall) are generally preferred for adults, whereas methylphenidate products (like Daytrana) are preferred for children and adolescents. Ask your psychiatrist or primary care provider if you have more questions about comparing between Daytrana and Adderall.
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Daytrana (methylphenidate) dosage
Package| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 patches of 10mg | 1 package | $123.99 | $123.99 |
| 30 patches of 15mg | 1 package | $123.99 | $123.99 |
| 30 patches of 20mg | 1 package | $130.82 | $130.82 |
| 30 patches of 30mg | 1 package | $123.99 | $123.99 |
Typical dosage for Daytrana (methylphenidate)
Daytrana (methylphenidate) comes as a patch that's applied to the hip area 2 hours before you need the medication's effects to kick in. Then, the patch is removed 9 hours after putting it on.
The typical starting dose is a 10 mg patch applied to the skin once daily for at least a week. Your child's prescriber will slowly raise the dose, no sooner than once per week, based on how well the medication is working and whether there are bothersome side effects. The maximum dose is a 30 mg patch once per day.
Interactions between Daytrana (methylphenidate) and other drugs
More on Daytrana (methylphenidate) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Furazolidone
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Linezolid
- Methylene Blue
- Moclobemide
- Nialamide
- Phenelzine
- Procarbazine
- Rasagiline
- Safinamide
- Selegiline
- Tranylcypromine
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amifampridine
- Bupropion
- Desflurane
- Donepezil
- Enflurane
- Halothane
- Iobenguane I 131
- Isoflurane
- Risperidone
- Sevoflurane
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
How much does Daytrana (methylphenidate) cost?
Daytrana (methylphenidate) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Daytrana (methylphenidate) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to methylphenidate-containing products
- Currently take or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days
What are alternatives to Daytrana (methylphenidate)?
