Daytrana vs. Focalin, Focalin XR

Daytrana (methylphenidate) and Focalin, Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) are central nervous system stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Side effects of Daytrana and Focalin, Focalin XR that are similar include headache, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping (insomnia), sore throat, and dry mouth.

Side effects of Daytrana that are different from Focalin, Focalin XR include local skin reactions (mild redness, irritation, or bumps on the skin under the patch), stomach pain, weight loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, vision problems, irritability, nervousness, stuffy nose, constipation, blue fingers or toes, cold hands or feet, and (rarely) drowsiness.

Side effects of Focalin, Focalin XR that are different from Daytrana include restlessness, anxiousness, feeling jittery, and stomach upset.

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

Focalin, Focalin XR may also interact with cold or allergy medicines that contain decongestants.

Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop using Daytrana.

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 Focalin, Focalin XR include:

• restlessness,
• anxiousness,
• feeling jittery,
• stomach upset,
• loss of appetite,
• dry mouth,
• sore throat,
• headache, or
• sleep problems (insomnia)

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

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Daytrana may interact with:

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

Tell your doctor all medications you use.

Focalin XR may interact with MAO inhibitors, antacids, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, clonidine, seizure medications, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Focalin XR should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

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.

The recommended starting dose of Focalin XR is 5 mg/day for pediatric patients and 10 mg/day for adult patients. Dosage may be adjusted in 5 mg increments for pediatric patients and in 10 mg increments for adult patients.