methylphenidate

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.