Daytrana (Methylphenidate Transdermal) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Information on ADHD Medications »

What are ADHD medications and how do they work?

ADHD medications are drugs used to treat some of the characteristic behaviors associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, including inattention, hyperactivity, and poor impulse control.

Drugs used to treat ADHD target chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. One type of ADHD medication works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Another type of ADHD drug increases the level of another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine.

ADHD drug treatment should begin only after a specific diagnosis of ADHD has been made. A clinical diagnosis requires that symptoms have persisted for at least six months. There is no blood test or radiological scan that can diagnose ADHD.

Most children with ADHD are diagnosed in preschool or early in elementary school. It's estimated that up to 7%-8% of school-age children in the United States have ADHD. In addition, it may be present ...

Read the Information on ADHD Medications article »

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SIDE EFFECTS: Mild redness/irritation of the skin under the patch may occur. This will usually improve even if the patch is left on. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If swelling, severe irritation, or red bumps appear on the skin around or under the patch, contact your doctor immediately.

Headache, stomach pain, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, irritability, nervousness, stuffy nose, dry mouth, constipation, or (rarely) drowsiness may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, uncontrolled movements (twitching, shaking), uncontrollable outbursts of words or sounds (e.g., Tourette's syndrome), unexplained weight loss, mental/mood/behavior changes (e.g., agitation, aggression, mood swings, depression, abnormal thoughts, hallucinations).

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, sudden vision changes, seizures, jaw/left arm pain, chest pain, fainting, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using methylphenidate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., agitation, psychosis), severe anxiety/tension, a certain eye disease (glaucoma), personal or family history of uncontrolled movements/outbursts (motor tics, Tourette's syndrome), seizures, problems with heart structure (e.g., valve problems), history of heart attack or stroke, heart/blood vessel disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat/rhythm, coronary artery disease, angina, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, recent heart attack).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history of alcohol/drug abuse, high blood pressure (hypertension), family history of sudden death/irregular heartbeat/rhythm, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), family/personal history of mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic disorder, suicidal thoughts), history of seizures.

This drug may make you dizzy, lightheaded, or rarely drowsy. It may also cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

Children younger than 6 years may be at greater risk for the side effects of this medication.

This drug may affect your child's growth rate, weight, and final adult height, especially in children younger than 6 years. To reduce the risk, the doctor may recommend temporarily stopping the medication from time to time. Check your child's weight and height, and consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.