Daytrana vs. Concerta

Daytrana (methylphenidate) and Concerta (methylphenidate extended release tablets) are central nervous system stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Side effects of Daytrana and Concerta that are similar include headache, stomach pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping (insomnia), dizziness, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, irritability, nervousness, dry mouth, and cold hands or feet.

Side effects of Daytrana that are different from Concerta include local skin reactions (mild redness, irritation, or bumps on the skin under the patch), lightheadedness, stuffy nose, sore throat, constipation, blue fingers or toes, and (rarely) drowsiness.

Side effects of Concerta that are different from Daytrana include anxiety, skin rash, numbness/tingling in the hands or feet, and sweating.

Both Daytrana and Concerta may interact with blood pressure medications, blood thinners, clonidine, seizure medicines, and antidepressants.

Concerta may also interact with momoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), dobutamine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, cold/allergy medicine that contains phenylephrine (a decongestant), potassium citrate, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and potassium citrate, sodium citrate and citric acid, stimulant medications, and diet pills.

Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop using Daytrana or Concerta.

Side effects of Daytrana include:

• mild redness,
• irritation, or
• bumps on the skin under the patch.

This will usually improve even if the patch is left on. Other side effects of Daytrana include:

• headache,
• stomach pain,
• loss of appetite,
• weight loss,
• trouble sleeping (insomnia),
• dizziness,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• lightheadedness,
• vision problems,
• irritability,
• nervousness,
• stuffy nose,
• sore throat,
• dry mouth,
• constipation,
• blue fingers or toes,
• cold hands or feet, or
• (rarely) drowsiness.

Daytrana may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Daytrana including:

• numbness/pain/skin color change/sensitivity to temperature in the fingers or toes,
• fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat,
• mental/mood/behavior changes (such as agitation, aggression, mood swings, abnormal thoughts, thoughts of suicide),
• uncontrolled muscle movements (such as twitching, shaking),
• sudden outbursts of words or sounds that are hard to control, or
• slow healing sores or ulcers on the tips of fingers or toes.

Side effects of Concerta include:

• stomach pain,
• loss of appetite,
• headache,
• dry mouth,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• anxiety,
• dizziness,
• weight loss,
• irritability,
• vision problems,
• skin rash,
• nervousness,
• numbness/tingling/cold feeling in the hands or feet, and
• sweating.

Daytrana (methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant prescription medicine. It is used for the treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Concerta may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD.

Concerta should be used as a part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies.

Concerta is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep Concerta in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Concerta may harm others, and is against the law.

Tell your doctor if you or your child has (or has a family history of) ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.

Daytrana may interact with:

• blood pressure medications,
• blood thinners,
• clonidine,
• seizure medicines, or
• antidepressants

Tell your doctor all medications you use.

Tell your doctor if you or your child is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor about all of the medicines that you or your child takes including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Concerta and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Sometimes the doses of other medicines will need to be adjusted while taking Concerta.

Your doctor will decide whether Concerta can be taken with other medicines.

Especially tell your doctor if you or your child takes:

• antidepression medicines including MAOIs
• seizure medicines
• blood thinner medicines
• blood pressure medicines
• cold or allergy medicines that contain decongestants

Know the medicines that you or your child takes. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not start any new medicine while taking Concerta without talking to your doctor first.

Daytrana patch should be applied to the hip area 2 hours before an effect is needed and should be removed 9 hours after application. Dose titration, final dosage, and wear time is individualized to the needs and response of the patient.

Take Concerta exactly as prescribed. Your doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.

Do not chew, crush, or divide the tablets.

Swallow Concerta tablets whole with water or other liquids. Tell your doctor if you or your child cannot swallow Concerta whole. A different medicine may need to be prescribed.

Concerta can be taken with or without food.

Take Concerta once each day in the morning. Concerta is an extended-release tablet. It releases medication into your or your child's body throughout the day.

The Concerta tablet does not dissolve completely in the body after all the medicine has been released. You or your child may sometimes notice the empty tablet in a bowel movement. This is normal.

From time to time, your doctor may stop Concerta treatment for a while to check ADHD symptoms.

Your doctor may do regular checks of the blood, heart, and blood pressure while taking Concerta. Children should have their height and weight checked often while taking Concerta. Concerta treatment may be topped if a problem is found during these check-ups.

If you or your child takes too much Concerta or verdoses, call your doctor or poison control center right away, or get emergency treatment.