Daytrana vs. Strattera

Daytrana (methylphenidate) and Strattera (atomoxetine) are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Daytrana and Strattera belong to different drug classes. Daytrana is a central nervous system stimulant and Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant.

Side effects of Daytrana and Strattera that are similar include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping (insomnia), dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irritability, dry mouth, constipation, and drowsiness.

Side effects of Daytrana that are different from Strattera include local skin reactions (mild redness, irritation, or bumps on the skin under the patch), headache, stomach pain, weight loss, lightheadedness, vision problems, nervousness, stuffy nose, sore throat, blue fingers or toes, and cold hands or feet.

Side effects of Strattera that are different from Daytrana include cough, upset stomach, skin rash, itching, increased menstrual cramps, and sexual side effects including impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm.

Both Daytrana and Strattera may interact with antidepressants.

Daytrana may also interact with blood pressure medications, blood thinners, clonidine, and seizure medicines.

Strattera may also interact with albuterol, amiodarone, bupropion, celecoxib, cimetidine, doxorubicin, methadone, metoclopramide, quinidine, ritonavir, ranitidine, terbinafine, antihistamines, and sleep medicines.

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 Strattera include:

• trouble sleeping (insomnia),
• dry mouth,
• cough,
• decreased appetite,
• upset stomach,
• nausea or vomiting,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• irritability,
• constipation,
• skin rash,
• itching,
• increased menstrual cramps, and
• sexual side effects including
• impotence,
• loss of interest in sex, or
• trouble having an orgasm.

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

Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor medicine. It is used for the treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Strattera may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD.

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

Strattera has not been studied in children less than 6 years old.

Daytrana may interact with:

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

Tell your doctor all medications you use.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines that you or your child takes including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Strattera and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Your doctor will decide whether Strattera can be taken with other medicines.

Especially tell your doctor if you or your child takes:

• asthma medicines
• anti-depression medicines including MAOIs
• 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 Strattera 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 Strattera exactly as prescribed. Strattera comes in different dose strength capsules. Your doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.
• Do not chew, crush, or open the capsules. Swallow Strattera capsules whole with water or other liquids. Tell your doctor if you or your child cannot swallow Strattera whole. A different medicine may need to be prescribed.
• Avoid touching a broken Strattera capsule. Wash hands and surfaces that touched an open Strattera capsule. If any of the powder gets in your eyes or your child's eyes, rinse them with water right away and call your doctor.
• Strattera can be taken with or without food.
• Strattera is usually taken once or twice a day. Take Strattera at the same time each day to help you remember. If you miss a dose of Strattera, take it as soon as you remember that day. If you miss a day of Strattera, do not double your dose the next day. Just skip the day you missed.
• From time to time, your doctor may stop Strattera treatment for a while to check ADHD symptoms.
• Your doctor may do regular checks of the blood, heart, and blood pressure while taking Strattera. Children should have their height and weight checked often while taking Strattera. Strattera treatment may be stopped if a problem is found during these check-ups.
• If you or your child takes too much Strattera or overdoses, call your doctor or poison control center right away, or get emergency treatment.