Daytrana (methylphenidate) is a brand-name transdermal patch that’s prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in certain children. As with other drugs, Daytrana can cause side effects, such as nausea and decreased appetite.

Daytrana has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Daytrana can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Daytrana in clinical trials:

Mild side effects can occur with Daytrana use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Daytrana’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Daytrana include:

  • nausea
  • headache
  • abdominal pain
  • trouble sleeping
  • vomiting
  • weight loss
  • dizziness
  • labile mood (uncontrollable, unpredictable, and sudden change in emotions)
  • skin rash where the patch is applied
  • decrease in appetite (see “Side effect specifics” below)

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Daytrana and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Daytrana may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Daytrana’s prescribing information.

If your child develops serious side effects while taking Daytrana, call their doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think they’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • increase in blood pressure, which may not cause symptoms. Severe increases in blood pressure may cause symptoms such as:
  • seizures, which may include symptoms such as:
    • staring into space
    • muscle spams or jerky movements
    • a dazed or confused state
    • falling to the ground
  • increased pressure inside your eye or angle-closure glaucoma, which may include symptoms such as:
    • blurred vision
    • headache
    • severe pain in one eye
    • nausea
  • psychosis (loss of touch with reality), which may include symptoms such as:
    • hearing voices or seeing people that aren’t there
    • noticeable drop in school grades or job performance
    • feeling uneasy or suspicious around people
    • social withdrawal
  • mania (drastic change in usual thoughts and behaviors or an extremely heightened energy), which may include symptoms such as:
    • speaking very fast or more talkative than usual
    • extreme high energy
    • decrease in sleep
    • racing thoughts
  • increased heart rate, which may include symptoms such as:
    • feeling as if your heart is pounding
    • dizziness
    • rapid heart rate
    • shortness of breath
  • priapism (a prolonged and painful erection), which may cause symptoms such as:
    • an erection that doesn’t go away
    • penile pain that gets worse over time
  • blood vessel problems, including Raynaud’s disease, which may cause symptoms such as:
    • fingers or toes that are cold or numb
    • a stinging or prickly sensation when warming your fingers or toes
    • fingers or toes that turn white, then later turn blue
  • slowed growth rate, which may include symptoms such as:
    • not gaining the expected weight or height for their age
  • changes in or loss of skin pigment around where the Daytrana patch is applied, and may include areas on the body away from the application site
  • risk of misuse and addiction (see “Side effect specifics” below)
ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Daytrana patches can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Daytrana, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Daytrana may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Daytrana.

Risk of misuse and abuse

Daytrana has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Misuse refers to using a drug in a way other than how it was prescribed by your doctor. This may include applying more Daytrana patches that were prescribed, applying them more often, or keeping the patch on longer than instructed. Addiction refers to a feeling that you can’t stop using the drug, even if it is causing you harm.

Misuse and addiction may increase the risk of overdose, which can lead to serious heart problems, coma, or even death. The risk of overdose is greater if high doses are used or Daytrana is used in ways that are not approved, such as attempting to swallow or inject the drug.

Due to these risks, Daytrana is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means the government strictly regulates how the drug is prescribed and dispensed. Schedule II drugs carry a higher risk for misuse.

What you can do

Your child’s doctor will likely discuss the risks of treatment with Daytrana before prescribing it. Tell them if your child has ever been dependent on alcohol or other medications. Your child’s doctor likely won’t prescribe Daytrana if they have a history of substance use disorder or addiction.

The patch should be applied only as your child’s doctor has prescribed. Daytrana patches should be stored in a safe place in the home where others, including visitors, don’t have access to them.

Talk with your child’s doctor if you have any questions about the risks of misuse or addiction during treatment with Daytrana.

Decrease in appetite

Your child may have a decrease or loss of appetite during treatment with Daytrana. This was a common side effect reported in clinical trials of the drug. A decreased appetite may also lead to weight loss.

What you can do

Your child will likely have regular visits to their doctor to track their growth. Your child’s appetite may improve over time as they continue taking the medication. Try to encourage healthy snack foods that are high in calories and nutrients, such as greek yogurt, nuts, or avocados.

Talk with your child’s doctor if you’re concerned about weight loss during their treatment with Daytrana. They can recommend additional ways to help your child maintain a weight that is healthy for them.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Daytrana.

Daytrana has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Before taking Daytrana, discuss your child’s health history with their doctor. Daytrana may not be right for them if they have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting their health. Be sure to talk with your child’s doctor if any of the following apply to them:

  • history of substance use disorder
  • serious heart problems or heart disease
  • Tourette’s syndrome or tics
  • high blood pressure
  • blood circulation problems in the fingers or toes, such as Raynaud’s disease
  • bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions
  • severe agitation, tension, anxiety tense agitated or anxious behavior
  • seizures
  • history of vitiligo or other skin problems
  • previous allergic reaction to Daytrana or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

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.