THE PATCH-DAYTRANA

There's a new kid on the block. A brand new treatment for ADHD. Well......not really brand new. What's new about it is that it has a new delivery system. A new way of getting the medication into your system.

You've probably heard about it or seen ads for it. It is indeed a brand new way of "taking" Ritalin.

Ritalin (generic = methylphenidate) has been on the market for many years. It is the most studied behavioral drug for kids in the world. No other behavioral drug has been looked at so carefully. It has passed all the tests-- for safety, lack of dependence or addiction, no increased chance of drug use in later life. In addition, it has been found to be very effective in reducing the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.....and improving attention.

The "new" drug is called Daytrana. It is simply Ritalin (methylphenidate) in the form of a patch. It is applied to the side of the hip of the child on a daily basis. It is very important to apply it to a slightly different area of skin each day to avoid irritation from the adhesive.

Advantages to Daytrana

Can be put on or taken off whenever you desire
- Should be applied sometime in early a.m. for school days (about 1 1/2 - 2 hours before school)
- Normally remove after 9 hours
- Continues to work for another 3 + hours after it's removed
- If left on too much longer than 9 hours, may result in difficulty falling asleep.
Very good alternative for kids who can't swallow pills
Flexible dosing: 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg patches available.
If you desire a shorter duration of action (< 12 hours) , just take the patch off earlier than 9 hours.
Child can shower, swim, play sports, do dishes, make his bed--all while wearing the patch
Overall, very well tolerated

Disadvantages to Daytrana

Adhesive can cause redness, a rash, itching
- This possibility is lessened by moving the patch to a slightly different location daily
Some kids with ADHD are more sensitive to things touching their skin--like labels in the back of a shirt. They may not tolerate something stuck on them all day.
Though this has never happened, there is a theoretical possibility that a child may develop an allergic reaction to the methylphenidate being constantly in contact with their skin.
- This has happened with drugs such a Benadryl given in a cream or lotion form, instead of oral.
- If this allergic reaction develops, child could not longer use any form of Ritalin.
- Good news: So far, in all the clinical studies and patient use, this has not been reported

Warnings

As with all forms of Ritalin (methylphenidate), do not use with pre-existing cardiac disease, high blood pressure, seizures, severe tics.

Daytrana can cause the same generalized side effects as any other form of Ritalin--including loss of appetite, insomnia(inability to sleep), headache. See our website www.ADHDStrategies.com for further information about Ritalin.

If you have to have ADHD, this is a much better time to have it than in the past. We have a lot more options for treating--safer, more effective and more convenient.

If you have any comments of ideas of things that would really help you, email me at:

DrJerry@ADHDStrategies.com

I want to help you "be the best person you can be"

Dr. Jerry Is Online

Jerry Rodgers, M.D.