Long-Term Side Effects of Daytrana

Little is known about the long-term side effects of Daytrana. In one study that lasted 40 months, viral infections, insomnia, headaches, and loss of appetite and decreased eating were among the side effects that were reported with Daytrana; however, because of the way in which the study was conducted, it is not known whether these problems were actually caused by the medication itself or other factors. Suppression of growth has been reported as a side effect of long-term use of stimulants like Daytrana.

Daytrana Patch

Long-Term Side Effects of Daytrana: An Overview

Daytrana™ (methylphenidate patch) is a prescription medication approved for treating ADHD in children. Although Daytrana has been evaluated in studies up to 40 months long, little is known about the long-term side effects of Daytrana use.

Long-Term Study of Daytrana

In one long-term study (lasting 40 months) of Daytrana in children with ADHD, the following Daytrana side effects were reported:

Loss of appetite and decreased eating -- in up to 46 percent of children
Insomnia -- in up to 30 percent of children
Viral infections -- in up to 28 percent of children
Headache -- in up to 28 percent of children.

It is important to understand that this study did not compare these side effects to side effects that occur in children not taking Daytrana. In other words, some of these side effects may not have been caused by Daytrana.

Growth Suppression as a Long-Term Daytrana Side Effect

Suppression of growth has been reported as a side effect of long-term use of stimulants (such as Daytrana) in children. This slowing of growth is usually small (less than an inch and less than six pounds). While this slowing of growth is temporary, your child may not "catch up" and make up for the slowed growth. Your child's growth should be monitored while he or she is taking Daytrana.

(Long-Term Side Effects of Daytrana Continued: Page 2)