Daytrana Patch for ADHD

Daytrana (transdermal methylphenidate) is FDA approved to treat Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for individuals age 6 to 17.

Daytrana is a top choice when there are issues with swallowing medication, or if this version is preferred over pill/capsule.

It works, as do all stimulants, by limiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, which allows this region of the brain to work more effectively. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for impulse control, focus, and decision making (executive function tasks).

**If there is a history of cardiac problems such as sudden cardiac death or arrhythmias in the immediate family (parents, siblings), please get an EKG prior to starting stimulants. Stimulants are thought to be safe on the heart but, like drinking high amounts of caffeine, stimulants can be problematic for people who have a family history of severe cardiac issues.

Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD & impulse control disorders. The reason for this is that they are SO effective and they tend to be reasonably well tolerated. That said, they have side effects to watch for. Here are the big 5 that we really want to watch for, followed by other issues to consider in general:
-Appetite suppression (with weight loss eventually)
-Irritability (either when on the med or, more likely, when it wears off)
-Anxiety while on the medication (just as caffeine makes some people more anxious)
-Insomnia
-Tics -- motor and/or verbal tics, which tend to be more of an issue in boys under the age of 10

The other issues for all stimulants are
Gi upset
Headache
Dry mouth

Daytrana comes in 10mg, 15mg, 20mg and 30mg patches. We start at 10mg and can increase the dose by 5mg every week until we reach the desired effect. The patch should be applied 2 hours before effect is needed and should be worn for 9 hours.

This medication is pretty straight forward. The basic directions are to apply it to the skin on the hip in the morning (and alternate which hip every other day). However, I want to give you some detailed info too. That is essentially all you really need though. I think eventually we may need to increase the dose, but for now this should be perfect.

Additional information on Daytrana:
-Patch should be applied approximately 2 hours prior to desired effect.
-Patch should be worn for approximately 9 hours and then removed (ok if it's a little over this)
-Patch should be applied to dry skin on the hip
-Patch should be applied to a new area each day (rotate sites)
-Avoid touching the sticky side of the patch when applying
-Wash hands with soap and water after applying and do not touch your eyes
-Avoid exposing patch to heat (no heating pads, saunas, etc) this can increase the amount of medication that is absorbed
-If the patch comes off a new one can be applied at a different site. Total wearing time should remain 9 hours even if patch is replaced
-Ok to remove the patch early if desired (if med effect is no longer needed)