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What is DAYTRANA ?
Is it a Good Choice for You ?
Last summer Shire Pharmaceuticals came out with their new version of methylphenidate, called DAYTRANA. It is the first and only transdermal medicationapproved to treat the symptoms of Attention DeficitHyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). DAYTRANA is methylphenidate (generic name for Ritalin)in a patch, which makes it a very convenient deliverysystem (one a day dosing).The response from parents has been mixed.Parents, and patients, like the convenience of a patch. Andthey also like the fact that children don’t have to swallow apill.But the patch can cause side-effects. Skin rashes, sleeplessness, stomach achesand motion sickness are commonly cited. Some parents also complain that theyhave to fight with their kids to put the patches on, and that it leaves a “goo” after taken off.You can learn more aboutDAYTRANA and see the product video at its website. As always, parents should know that DAYTRANA is a Schedule II controlledsubstance. It was generally well tolerated in clinical studies, but some subjects hadside effects. As with other products containing methylphenidate the common sideeffects reported in children who received DAYTRANA were decreased appetite,insomnia, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, tics, and affect lability (mood swings). It isthe same list of side effects one would see with Ritalin in any of its forms.
 
 And Daytrana was given the dreadedBLACK BOX WARNINGLABELfrom the FDA.The manufacturer warns that Methylphenidate should never be taken by childrenwith significant anxiety, agitation, or extreme temper outbursts; glaucoma; tics or Tourette's syndrome, or family history of Tourette's syndrome; or current/recentuse of MAO inhibitors (a type of antidepressant).The manufacturer warns that abuse of methylphenidate may lead to dependence.The manufacturer advises that you tell your healthcare professional if your childhas had problems with alcohol or drugs or has had depression, abnormalthoughts/behaviors, visual disturbances, seizures, high blood pressure, or heartconditions including structural abnormalities.As always, tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious sideeffects occur: blurred vision, uncontrolled movements (twitching, shaking),uncontrollable outbursts of words or sounds (e.g., Tourette's syndrome),unexplained weight loss, mental/mood/behavior changes (e.g., agitation,aggression, mood swings, depression, abnormal thoughts, hallucinations).Often times people with a genetic Tourette’s Syndrome are initially diagnosed withADHD, as many of the symptoms are the same and often children will present atthe doctor’s office with impulsivity and school problems (looks like ADHD) but their TS symptoms of tics, or twitches, or OCD haven’t shown up yet. Once the doctor prescribes a stimulant, in just a short time the tics, twitches, or OCD of Tourette’swill kick in.Your doctor or pharmacist should already be aware of any possible druginteractions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change thedosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
 
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid,moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2weeks before or after treatment with this medication. In some cases, a possiblyfatal drug interaction may occur. If you are currently using any of thesemedications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication. Or better yet, just don’t use this medication.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription andnonprescription herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g.,warfarin), clonidine, guanethidine, drugs that can increase blood pressure (e.g.,epinephrine, phenylephrine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin,primidone), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, desipramine), SSRIantidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), other stimulant medications (e.g.,amphetamines).Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizurethreshold) when combined with methylphenidate such as bupropion, isoniazid(INH), phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), or theophylline, among others. Consultyour doctor or pharmacist for details.Check the labels on all your medicines/herbal products (e.g., cough-and-coldproducts, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedra/mahuang). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products.
Here are my thoughts about DAYTRANA
I am not opposed to Daytrana, or Ritalin, or Methylphenidate in any of its forms,provided that the “alternative” options have been tried, and have failed. I’mreferring todiet interventions,Attend(amino acids, essential fatty acids, etc), and perhaps EEG Biofeedback training.There are risks to DAYTRANA.
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