Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in children, reportedly affecting an estimated 11.4% of Americans aged 3 to 17 years old. Without adequate treatment, ADHD can be carried through to adulthood. Because the symptoms vary, many people don’t realize they have ADHD until adulthood. Getting diagnosed and treated during one’s childhood can help individuals successfully manage the condition with medication, coping tools, and other lifestyle changes.
Daytrana (methylphenidate) is a stimulant patch used as part of an ADHD treatment plan for children aged 3 to 17 years old that has proven to be effective in the management of this condition. Read further to understand Daytrana’s uses, side effects, and precautions.
Understanding Methylphenidate (Daytrana)
Daytrana, commonly known by its generic name “methylphenidate,” is a prescription patch for ADHD. You might be familiar with drugs like Ritalin and Adderall to treat ADHD. Unlike Daytrana, these medications are not available as a stimulant patch. Daytrana is in fact the only ADHD medication available as a stimulant patch.
So, what is Daytrana? This skin patch for ADHD is applied to the hip area where the stimulant methylphenidate is absorbed into the bloodstream. It’s a central nervous system stimulant that balances the brain chemicals that help with impulse control and hyperactivity.
Psychiatrists may recommend using Daytrana alongside a broader treatment plan from healthcare providers, which includes:
- Regular behavior therapy
- Ongoing education about ADHD with families, caregivers, and teachers
- Family counseling
- Setting small goals and targets
Alongside the above therapies, there are many uses and benefits of using Daytrana to treat ADHD in children.
Uses and Benefits
Daytrana is used to increase attention span and decrease impulsiveness in children exhibiting signs of ADHD. It’s FDA-approved for the sole use of treating ADHD in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years old. Daytrana is the only stimulant patch out there that treats ADHD, and helps by increasing dopamine in the brain.
Some parents of children diagnosed with ADHD find a patch to be more beneficial than other medication types. Here’s why:
- A patch is hassle-free—children often battle with taking pills
- The patch provides a consistent dose of the stimulant over the recommended 9 hours
- No medication management and dosage control required
- Pills are easier to misuse and abuse than a patch
- The only thing you need to remember is to change the patch every nine hours
There are a multitude of uses and benefits of using a patch for ADHD, but they’re not without their risks and side effects.
Risks and Side Effects
There are side effects with Daytrana, as there are with many medications. Side effects can range from mild to serious, so it’s important to keep a record of any physical or emotional changes that occur after taking the medication. Preexisting conditions and allergies should always be taken into account before taking medication.
Daytrana comes with a black box warning, the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This warning indicates that Daytrana has a risk of misuse and addiction because of the main stimulant ingredient, methylphenidate.
It’s important to fully understand the risks and side effects outlined on the warning labels, and follow the prescription advice. Mild risks include headaches, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, decreased appetite, weight loss, and complaints of abdomen pain.
Although rarer, the more serious risks and Daytrana side effects include:
- Psychosis and mood disorders
- Elevated heart rate
- Circulation problems
- Dependency/addiction
- Tics
- Eye problems like glaucoma
- Skin reactions
- Seizures
- Slow physical growth and development
Most of the time, the mild side effects are short-lived and only occur when the medication is first taken.
Precautions and Considerations
Before prescribing Daytrana, a healthcare practitioner will probably screen for any underlying medical issues. An in-depth screening should include a full family history.
Precautions should be taken if the individual is taking inhibitor medication—there needs to be a two-week break before any Daytrana is administered.
During the first few months of any new medication, there may be some changes. The stimulant will affect chemicals and mood, so regular monitoring of mental wellness is advised. Generally, these symptoms tend to disappear when the body adjusts to the medication.
Dosage and Administration
When it comes to dosage and administration, you should follow the required dosage recommended by your health care provider. Typically, a patch is put directly onto the hip area two hours before needed and removed exactly nine hours later.
The dose required depends on the individual but typically starts gradually to monitor the response and figure out the correct dosage for your system. Individuals on other forms of ADHD medication converting to Daytrana, will also need a gradual introduction to Daytrana.
Working out the ideal dose is called the titration schedule, which looks something like this:
- 10 mg in the first week
- 15 mg in the second week
- 20 mg in the third week
- 30 mg in the fourth week
Use the patches as recommended—don’t ever cut them, use them twice, or double up on dosages. The patches contain powerful drugs that affect the nervous system and should be handled with caution.
Treatment Duration and Withdrawal
Over time, your body can develop a dependency on the drug, finding it hard to function without the support. To test how a person functions without Daytrana, “drug breaks” are often recommended for a few days. Stopping the drug suddenly for long periods can lead to withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal can include anxiety, profuse sweating, vomiting, and aching muscles.
There is no set time limit for Daytrana. It is a long-term solution for managing ADHD from early childhood until the age of 17, if well-tolerated by the individual. If symptoms are no longer manageable with Daytrana by early adulthood, another ADHD medication like Adderall may be prescribed.
It can take weeks or months for your body to adjust to life without a stimulant. Factors affecting the tapering-off period include dosage and treatment period.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one is struggling with focus and other cognitive challenges, ADHD may be the reason. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek help. The condition can often be managed quite well, especially when diagnosed early.
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