Daytrana

Daytrana, a prescription medicine, is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The medication comes in the form of a patch that is applied directly to the skin and worn for up to nine hours. By affecting certain chemicals in the brain, Daytrana is effective in producing a calming effect to help children with ADHD stay focused throughout the day. Some side effects that may occur with Daytrana include nausea, insomnia, and weight loss.

 

What Is Daytrana?

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.
 
Because Daytrana contains methylphenidate, a stimulant that is commonly abused, there are special rules governing it (see Daytrana: A Controlled Substance).
 
(Click Daytrana Uses for more information on uses of Daytrana, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

Who Makes Daytrana?

Daytrana is manufactured by Shire Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Daytrana Work?

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.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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