Daytrana is a brand-name prescription transdermal patch prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Daytrana contains the active drug methylphenidate and belongs to the central nervous system stimulant drug class.

Daytrana is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children or adolescents ages 6–17 years old.

Drug details

You’ll find key information about Daytrana below.

  • Drug form: Transdermal patch, which is applied to the skin
  • Generic available? Yes
  • Prescription required? Yes
  • Controlled substance? Yes
  • Year of FDA approval: 2006

Daytrana is a brand-name drug that contains the active drug methylphenidate. This active drug is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in the generic form of Daytrana, talk with your doctor. They can tell you whether it comes in forms and strengths that could work for your condition.

Daytrana can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur with Daytrana. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Daytrana, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Daytrana, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Daytrana. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Daytrana’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Daytrana can include:

  • decreased appetite or loss of appetite
  • trouble sleeping
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • weight loss
  • tics
  • labile affect (changes in mood and emotional responses that are different or more intense than expected)
  • dizziness
  • abdominal pain
  • headache
  • mild skin reaction where the patch was applied, such as itching, small bumps, or discoloration
  • mild allergic reaction*

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and Daytrana, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Daytrana aren’t common. However, they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects that occurred in Daytrana’s clinical trials include:

  • Increased heart rate. Symptoms may include:
    • rapid heart rate
    • dizziness
    • feeling as though your heart is pounding
  • Mania (dramatic behavioral changes that affect daily functioning). Symptoms can include:
    • being very talkative or speaking very quickly
    • racing thoughts
    • having extremely high energy
    • feelings of euphoria or invincibility
  • Psychosis (losing touch with reality). Symptoms can include:
    • feeling suspicious or uneasy around others
    • hearing voices that aren’t actually there
    • lacking emotions or having trouble regulating them
    • a noticeable drop in school or work performance
  • Seizure. Symptoms can include:
    • jerky movements or muscle spasms
    • loss of response or awareness
    • staring into space
    • a dazed or confused state
    • shaking or twitching
  • Priapism (a prolonged, painful erection that doesn’t go away). Symptoms can include:
    • penile pain that worsens with time
    • an erection that doesn’t go away
  • Blood vessel problems, including Raynaud’s disease. Symptoms can include:
    • fingers or toes that are cold or numb
    • fingers or toes that turn white then blue
    • experiencing a numb, stinging, or prickly sensation when warming your fingers or toes
  • Slowed growth rate.
  • Long-term changes in or loss of skin pigment, including at skin sites where Daytrana is not applied.
  • Risk of drug dependence.*
  • Severe allergic reaction, including serious skin reaction.†

* Daytrana has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Daytrana precautions” section below.
† For details about allergic reaction and Daytrana, see “Allergic reaction” below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after applying Daytrana. This was a very rare side effect in clinical trials of this drug.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare. However, it is possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Daytrana, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

The Daytrana dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on the severity of your attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and how your symptoms respond to Daytrana.

Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to follow the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage schedule to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Daytrana comes as a transdermal patch that you apply to your skin. (Transdermal means the active drug is absorbed through your skin.) The patch provides a steady amount of the drug for up to a 9-hour period.

Daytrana comes in four strengths, all of which release the drug over a 9-hour period:

  • 10 milligrams (mg)
  • 15 mg
  • 20 mg
  • 30 mg

Dosage for ADHD

Your doctor will likely prescribe the 10-mg Daytrana patch to start. This is the typical starting dose regardless of whether you’ve taken other drugs containing methylphenidate in the past. (Methylphenidate is the active drug in Daytrana. This active drug is also available in other forms and brands.)

You’ll apply one patch to your skin and leave it in place for up to 9 hours, according to your doctor’s instructions.

Your doctor may increase your dose each week until they find the amount that’s right for you. The maximum dosage is the 30-mg patch, applied to the skin for up to 9 hours.

What if I miss a dose?

Typically, you’ll apply Daytrana early in the morning, about 2 hours before you go to school. (Daytrana is prescribed to treat ADHD in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years.) You’ll leave it in place for up to 9 hours, according to your doctor’s instructions.

If you forget to apply Daytrana at your regular time, you can apply it as soon as you remember before you go to school. Even if you apply the patch later than you typically would, you should still take it off at your regular time. Leaving the patch on too late in the day can increase your risk of bothersome side effects, such as trouble sleeping.

If you forget to apply Daytrana in the morning or before you go to school, it isn’t a good idea to apply it when you get home. This is because the patch takes about 2 hours to start working, and wearing the patch too late in the day can lead to trouble sleeping. Instead, apply the Daytrana patch at your regular time the next morning, about 2 hours before you go to school.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about what to do if you miss a dose of Daytrana.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to apply Daytrana patches long term?

Daytrana is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Daytrana is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely apply the patches long term.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Daytrana.

Is Daytrana prescribed for adults?

Daytrana is only approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years. It isn’t approved for adults with ADHD.

Other medications that contain methylphenidate are approved for treating ADHD in adults, such as Ritalin and Concerta. For adults interested in a patch form of an ADHD medication, a brand-name medication called Xelstrym may be available soon. It contains the active drug dextroamphetamine and is approved to treat ADHD in adults and some children.

Doctors might prescribe Daytrana for adults. However, this is an off-label use. (Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed for a purpose other than its FDA-approved uses.) Talk with your doctor if you have questions about Daytrana’s effectiveness or side effects in adults with ADHD.

Can I apply the Daytrana patch on my shoulder?

It’s not recommended. Daytrana should only be applied to the skin of your hip area.

Application sites other than the hips might cause differences in absorption and could change the drug’s expected effects in the body. Only the hip area was studied and found to be safe and effective in the drug’s clinical trials for ADHD. Placing the Daytrana patch on any location other than your hip could also cause side effects, including:

  • mild skin reaction where the patch was applied, such as itching, small bumps, or discoloration
  • long-term changes in or loss of skin pigment

If you have questions about where to place your Daytrana patch, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Could Daytrana make you feel ‘high’?

Daytrana should not make you feel “high” if you apply it according to your doctor’s instructions. However, an overdose of Daytrana could make you feel high, among other symptoms, some of which can be serious.

For more information about overdoses of Daytrana, see the “Daytrana overdose” section below.

Is Daytrana a stimulant?

Yes, Daytrana is a stimulant. It belongs to a drug class called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. Stimulants work by increasing the activity of the CNS, which includes the brain and nerves.

Some examples of other ADHD medications that are stimulants include amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and dexmethylphenidate (Focalin). Other stimulants include caffeine, nicotine, and cocaine.

If you have additional questions about Daytrana, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

As with all medications, the cost of Daytrana can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Daytrana. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Daytrana, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Daytrana, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Daytrana, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Daytrana has a co-pay program that can help with the cost of the drug with or without insurance. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 866-849-4512 or visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

Daytrana may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Daytrana, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Daytrana is available in a generic form called methylphenidate transdermal patch. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Check with your insurance plan or pharmacy to find out how the cost of methylphenidate transdermal patch compares with the cost of Daytrana.

If your doctor has prescribed Daytrana and you’re interested in methylphenidate transdermal patch instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Daytrana, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are prescribed off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Daytrana is a transdermal patch that contains the active drug methylphenidate. This active drug is available in several other forms and brands, such as:

  • an immediate-release oral tablet (Ritalin)
  • an extended-release oral tablet (Concerta)
  • an extended-release oral capsule (Jornay PM, Metadate CD, Ritalin LA)
  • an oral solution (Methylin)
  • an oral liquid suspension (Quillivant XR)
  • a chewable extended-release tablet (Quillichew ER)
  • an orally dissolving tablet (Cotempla XR-ODT)

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Daytrana to treat certain conditions. Daytrana may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Daytrana for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Daytrana is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years.

ADHD explained

ADHD is a mental health condition that commonly affects children. ADHD can affect a child’s behavior, social skills, and academic performance.

Symptoms of ADHD may include:

  • difficulty focusing on a task
  • being easily distracted
  • losing or forgetting things often
  • fidgeting or squirming while sitting
  • difficulty being patient
  • being impulsive (acting without thinking about the possible consequences)
  • difficulty getting organized and meeting deadlines

You can learn more about your condition in our ADHD hub and mental health hub.

Effectiveness for ADHD

Daytrana has been shown to be an effective treatment for ADHD in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years. The American Academy of Pediatrics includes methylphenidate (the active drug in Daytrana) as a treatment option in their guidelines for ADHD treatment in children and adolescents.

For details on how Daytrana performed in clinical trials, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Daytrana is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years. It’s a stimulant drug that works by increasing the activity of the central nervous system.

Stimulants are thought to increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Both of these chemicals are involved in focus and attention. It’s thought that Daytrana helps improve focus and other symptoms of ADHD by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain.

How long does it take to work?

Daytrana takes about 2 hours to start working after you apply the patch to the skin of your hip area. The drug lasts for up to 9 hours. The patch should be removed no longer than 9 hours after the time you applied it to your skin.

You should apply Daytrana according to the instructions your doctor gives you.

You’ll apply a Daytrana patch to the skin of your hip area. Choose an area of your skin that’s clean and dry and won’t rub against your clothing.

Here are the basic steps for applying and removing Daytrana:

  1. Remove the patch from its pouch and gently peel back half of the protective liner. Try to avoid touching the sticky side of the patch.
  2. Place the sticky side of the patch on your hip and smooth it down. Using the palm of your hand, press the patch firmly into place for about 30 seconds. Be sure to alternate hips each day.
  3. After 9 hours (or less), remove the Daytrana patch by peeling it off slowly. If it’s stuck, try spreading an oil-based product, such as petroleum jelly, to the patch edges to help loosen it. Once it’s removed, fold the patch in half and dispose of it.

Wash your hands after applying and removing a Daytrana patch.

Detailed instructions are also enclosed in the drug’s packaging and on the manufacturer’s website. Parents or caregivers should assist young children in applying Daytrana.

When to apply

Typically, you’ll apply Daytrana early in the morning, about 2 hours before going to school. (Daytrana is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years.) You’ll leave it in place for up to 9 hours, according to your doctor’s instructions.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Accessible labels and containers

If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

Daytrana isn’t known to interact with alcohol. However, drinking alcohol is not recommended during Daytrana treatment.

Daytrana is prescribed for children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Alcohol should not be consumed before age 21 years in the United States.

Heavy alcohol use can lead to alcohol use disorder. And Daytrana typically isn’t prescribed to people with alcohol use disorder or a history of alcohol or drug dependence. This is because Daytrana carries a boxed warning* for the risk of drug dependence.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol during Daytrana treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more about this, see the “Daytrana withdrawal and dependence” section below.

Daytrana can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Drug-condition interactions can also cause certain effects. For information about these interactions, see the “Daytrana precautions” section below.

Daytrana and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Daytrana. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Daytrana.

Before starting treatment with Daytrana, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Similar to other stimulants, Daytrana may cause increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Due to this risk, doctors do not prescribe Daytrana with medications from a drug class called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Also, doctors will not prescribe Daytrana if you’ve stopped taking an MAOI within the past 14 days. Taking these drugs together (or within 14 days of each other) could cause dangerously high blood pressure. This may result in stroke, heart attack, or other life threatening complications.

Examples of MAOIs include:

  • tranylcypromine (Parnate)
  • selegiline (Emsam, Zelapar)
  • phenelzine (Nardil)
  • linezolid (Zyvox)
  • isocarboxazid (Marplan)

In addition, Daytrana can make blood pressure medications less effective at managing blood pressure. This is because Daytrana may increase blood pressure. If your doctor prescribes Daytrana and you’re also taking blood pressure medication, they may have you check your blood pressure at home to make sure it isn’t worsening.

Examples of blood pressure medications include:

Daytrana may also affect how the body metabolizes (breaks down) certain other medications. This could lead to increased severity or frequency of side effects from these other medications. Your doctor may adjust or decrease your dosage if they prescribe any of the following types of medication for you during your Daytrana treatment:

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Daytrana and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Daytrana. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products during treatment with Daytrana.

Daytrana and foods

Daytrana is a patch that delivers medication through your skin. This medication isn’t expected to be affected by food.

No foods have been reported to interact with Daytrana. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Daytrana, talk with your doctor.

It’s not known whether Daytrana treatment is safe during pregnancy. The drug’s effects haven’t been clinically trialed in pregnant people.

In animal studies, the drug caused harmful effects in pregnant animals and their fetuses. Keep in mind that the findings of animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.

However, because of the risk of harm, it’s likely that your doctor will not prescribe Daytrana if you’re pregnant. And they’ll likely have you stop treatment with Daytrana if you become pregnant during treatment.

Talk with your doctor if you have additional questions about Daytrana during pregnancy.

Pregnancy registry

There is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes of people who applied Daytrana while pregnant. This registry helps doctors and consumers learn more about possible drug effects during pregnancy. If you become pregnant during Daytrana treatment, your doctor may encourage you to visit the website or call 866-961-2388.

It’s not known whether Daytrana treatment is safe during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs during Daytrana treatment.

For more information about Daytrana treatment during pregnancy, see the “Daytrana and pregnancy” section above.

It’s not known whether Daytrana treatment is safe while breastfeeding. The drug’s use hasn’t been formally clinically trialed in pregnant people.

A limited number of reports have found that the drug passes into breast milk. It’s possible that a child may be exposed to the drug if they are breastfed by a person being treated with Daytrana. This could lead to side effects in the child, such as trouble sleeping, agitation, loss of appetite, and not gaining weight as expected.

If you’re breastfeeding or considering it, talk with your doctor before starting Daytrana. They’ll help you weigh the risks and benefits and advise you on safe ways to feed your child.

This drug comes with several precautions. These are known as drug-condition interactions.

FDA warning: Risk of drug dependence

This drug has a boxed warning due to its risk of drug dependence. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Because of this risk, doctors will likely not prescribe Daytrana to treat conditions in people with a history of alcohol use disorder or drug dependence.

For more information on this warning, see the “Daytrana withdrawal and dependence” section below.

Other precautions

Before starting Daytrana, talk with your doctor about your health history. Daytrana may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Severe anxiety, agitation, or tension. Having severe anxiety, agitation, or tension could prevent your doctor from prescribing Daytrana due to a risk of harm. If you have any of these conditions, talk with your doctor before starting treatment with Daytrana.
  • Tourette syndrome or tics. Daytrana may cause tics as a side effect. If you already have tics, Tourette syndrome, or a family history of Tourette syndrome, Daytrana may worsen your symptoms. Because of this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Daytrana to people with this condition due to a risk of harm.
  • Heart or blood pressure problems. Daytrana may increase heart rate or blood pressure. If you have a heart or blood pressure condition that could be worsened by these side effects, your doctor may not prescribe Daytrana. If they do, they may have you check your blood pressure at home to make sure it isn’t increasing. High blood pressure could lead to serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.
  • Glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, Daytrana may make this condition worse. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Daytrana to people with glaucoma.
  • Bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions. If you have bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions, treatment with Daytrana may worsen your condition. If your doctor prescribes Daytrana for you, they’ll likely monitor you closely for unusual patterns in your mood or behavior.
  • Seizures. Daytrana may cause seizures. If you have epilepsy (seizure disorder) or another condition that increases the risk of seizure, Daytrana may not be safe for you. Your doctor can help determine the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment that is right for you.
  • Blood circulation problems, such as Raynaud’s disease. Daytrana may cause problems with circulation in your blood vessels, including Raynaud’s disease. If you have a blood circulation problem, Daytrana treatment could worsen your condition. Ask your doctor whether other medications may be better options for you. If Daytrana is prescribed to you, your doctor will closely monitor your circulation problems during treatment.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Daytrana or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Daytrana. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
  • Pregnancy. It’s not known whether Daytrana treatment is safe during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Daytrana and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. It’s not known whether Daytrana treatment is safe while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Daytrana and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Daytrana, see the “Daytrana side effects” section above.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

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Applying more than the recommended dosage of Daytrana can lead to serious side effects. Do not apply more Daytrana than your doctor recommends. (For information on the recommended dosages of Daytrana, see the “Daytrana dosage” section above.)

While wearing the Daytrana patch, it’s important to avoid exposing the application site to sources of heat. Examples include heating pads, hair dryers, and electric blankets. Heat exposure can increase or even double the amount of the medication that absorbs into your body from the Daytrana patch. This can lead to overdose.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve received too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Daytrana can cause drug dependence. (With dependence, your body needs the drug to feel as you typically would.) In fact, Daytrana has a boxed warning for the risk of drug dependence. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Daytrana should be prescribed with caution to people with a history of drug or alcohol dependence. Regular Daytrana treatment can lead to tolerance and psychological dependence. (With tolerance, you may no longer respond to the typical dose of a drug, and a higher dose may be needed to have an effect.)

Episodes of psychosis (loss of touch with reality) have occurred in people who’ve misused methylphenidate (the active drug in Daytrana) by injecting it. Stopping Daytrana after misusing it may lead to severe depression in some people. (Misuse is taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it.)

If you have a history of drug or alcohol dependence and your doctor prescribes Daytrana, they may monitor you closely during Daytrana treatment.

Stopping Daytrana treatment after long-term treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) shouldn’t cause withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop treatment with a drug that your body has become dependent on.) However, your symptoms of ADHD may return or worsen. If you stop Daytrana treatment, talk with your doctor about other treatment options.

Note: Due to the risk of misuse or drug dependence, Daytrana is a controlled substance. Controlled substances are strictly regulated by the government. Specifically, Daytrana is a Schedule II controlled substance. Drugs in this category have an accepted medical use. However, they also carry a high risk of physical or psychological dependence. Because of this, the government has passed strict laws that regulate how Schedule II drugs are prescribed and dispensed. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about this.

When you get Daytrana from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the packaging. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to correctly dispose of it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Daytrana patches come in sealed outer and individual pouches. Once the outer pouch is opened, you should use or discard the contents within 2 months. Each Daytrana patch should be kept in its individual protective pouch until you’re ready to apply it.

Daytrana should be stored at a room temperature of up to 77°F (25°C). The drug may be stored for brief periods at temperatures between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to apply Daytrana patches and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from coming into contact with the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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