Daytrana
(methylphenidate)
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Our bottom line
Daytrana (methylphenidate) provides convenient, extended control of symptoms related to ADHD, but the patch needs to be removed after 9 hours and reapplied the next morning.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Patch allows for convenient once daily dosing.
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What to expect from Daytrana, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Adhesive from the patch can irritate the skin.
- Not safe for children age 6 or younger.
- Only available in a brand, so may be expensive.
- Not a good option if you have glaucoma since it can increase blood pressure.
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What to expect from Daytrana, on one page
Download Fact SheetDaytrana (methylphenidate) is a stimulant. It treats attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by regulating area of your brain, which controls attention and behavior.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Patch
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- CostcoGet free coupon$27.97
- Get free coupon
$28.29
What to expect when you take Daytrana (methylphenidate) for ADHD
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Headache
- Irritability
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
Side effect rates for Daytrana (methylphenidate)
- Decreased appetite26%26%1%1%
- Headache12%12%13%13%
- Irritability11%11%7%7%
- Nausea10%10%3%3%
- Dizziness6%6%1%1%
- Insomnia6%6%3%3%
- Abdominal pain5%5%
- Weight loss5%5%1%1%
- Anorexia5%5%1%1%
- Vomiting3%3%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Daytrana.
People taking Daytrana felt side effect more
People taking Daytrana felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Daytrana (methylphenidate)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › History of heart problems
People taking Daytrana (methylphenidate) have had heart attacks, strokes, and sudden deaths. Anyone with a history of heart problems should not use this. You should be checked for heart problems before starting this medicine. Watch out for unexplained fainting or chest pain that comes on with physical activity.