Daytrana™
(
methylphenidate patch) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (
ADHD) in children. Daytrana is a skin patch that is applied once daily (in the morning) and worn for nine hours, eliminating the need to take medication at school.
(Click Daytrana Uses for more information on uses of Daytrana, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
Daytrana is manufactured by Shire Pharmaceuticals.
Daytrana is a stimulant, but it has effects that are opposite from what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants (like caffeine) can cause hyperactivity, Daytrana has a calming effect. While it is not known exactly how Daytrana produces a calming effect, it is known that it affects certain chemicals in the brain
(see Methylphenidate and D2 Receptors).
Daytrana is a skin patch containing methylphenidate. The methylphenidate is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. After the Daytrana patch is applied, it takes about two hours before the medicine begins to take effect. After the Daytrana patch is removed, the effect slowly wears off.