Daytrana vs. Ritalin

Daytrana (methylphenidate) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are central nervous system stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Ritalin is also used to treat narcolepsy.

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

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

Side effects of Ritalin that are different from Daytrana include agitation, anxiety, palpitations, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, sweating, skin rash, psychosis, and numbness and tingling.

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

Ritalin may also interact with dobutamine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, cold/allergy medicines 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 Ritalin.

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 Ritalin include:

• nervousness,
• agitation,
• anxiety,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• stomach pain,
• loss of appetite,
• weight loss,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• dizziness,
• palpitations,
• headache,
• vision problems,
• increased heart rate,
• increased blood pressure,
• sweating,
• skin rash,
• psychosis, and
• numbness,
• tingling, or
• cold feeling in your hands or feet.

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

Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant prescription medicine. It is used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Ritalin may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD.

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

Ritalin is also used in the treatment of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.

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

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 are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can Ritalin be taken with other medicines?

Tell your doctor about all of the medicines that you or your child take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Ritalin 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 Ritalin.

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

Especially tell your doctor if you or your child take:

• anti-depression 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 take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not start any new medicine while taking Ritalin 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 Ritalin exactly as prescribed. Your doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.

Ritalin is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day.

Take Ritalin 30 to 45 minutes before a meal.

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

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

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