Daytrana
Once-daily preparations of medications used to treat AD/HD have become the standard of care. Concerta (OROS methylphenidate) and Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) are effective for about 12 hours, and Adderall XR (extended-release mixed amphetamine salts) is effective for 10 - 12 hours.
People with AD/HD have symptoms all day long, but taking medications several times a day, especially at school or at work, is inconvenient, is frequently "forgotten," and can be stigmatizing. Some people taking multiple doses of shorter-acting preparations feel as if they are on an "emotional rollercoaster," with symptoms increasing and decreasing as each dose is wearing off and the next dose is starting to work.
AD/HD is a life problem, not a school or work problem, and longer-acting preparations help people to normalize their life. Daytrana, a transdermal methylphenidate preparation, allows for a more flexible duration of effect - the longer you keep the patch on, the longer the effect.
Fast facts about Daytrana:
Daytrana is a clear adhesive patch containing methylphenidate that is applied to intact skin. Each area of the patch contains the same amount of medication, and dose is adjusted by wearing different patch sizes and by varying the wear time. It is available in four doses: 10, 15, 20, and 30 mg.
The 10 mg patch releases 1.1 mg of methylphenidate per hour and contains 27.5 mg per patch; the 15 mg patch delivers 1.6 mg/hr and contains 41.3 mg; the 20 mg patch delivers 2.2 mg/hr and contains 55 mg; and the 30 mg patch delivers 3.3 mg/hr and contains 82.5 mg of methylphenidate.
Daytrana is applied to the hip for nine hours. The mean peak concentrations of methylphenidate is nearly two times higher with Daytrana than with other once-daily methylphenidate preparations, thus the effective dose of Daytrana is often lower than an effective dose of Concerta or somewhat equivalent to an effective dose of Focalin XR.
Peak concentrations were also higher with Daytrana with chronic administration compared to peak concentrations after a single dose, and were higher in 6 year olds than in 12 year olds.
Daytrana is generally effective about two hours after the patch is applied. It should always be applied to intact skin, as application to inflamed skin increases the rate and extent of absorption, with peak concentrations up to 3 times higher. Heat should not be applied to the patch after application, as it would also increase the rate and extent of absorption of medication. Daytrana should always be applied to the hip as different areas of the body have different absorption rates. The patch should be removed after about 9 hours, and the medication remains effective for about 3 hours after its removal.
Potential side effects to Daytrana are similar to other methylphenidate preparations and include nausea, abdominal cramping, headache, nasopharyngitis, decreased appetite and weight loss, affect lability (increased sensitivity, emotional instability), tearfulness, insomnia, increased tics, and nasal congestion.
Daytrana is a skin irritant and the majority of people will develop erythema (redness) at the patch site that causes little discomfort. On rare occasions, contact sensitization could develop, and edema, papules, vesicles and other intense skin reactions could occur in addition to erythema. If such a reaction occurs, the patch should be removed and the doctor should be contacted. Patients who develop allergic contact dermatitis to Daytrana might develop an allergic reaction to methylphenidate in general, and might not be able to subsequently take oral methylphenidate.
Applying the Patch Properly
Daytrana is usually started at the 10 mg dose, then the dose is increased weekly until there is an appropriate effect. The patch should be placed on a clean, dry area of the hip and the skin should not be oily, damaged, or irritated. The waistline should be avoided as the patch might be rubbed off by clothing. The alternate hip should be used the following day. The patch should be held firmly in place with the palm of the hand for about 30 seconds to make sure there is good contact. After application, bathing or swimming don't affect patch adherence. If a patch does fall off, a new patch can be placed at a different site, but the total daily time of use shouldn't exceed nine hours. If a shorter duration of effect is desired, or if insomnia occurs, the patch can be removed earlier than 9 hours. The patch can also be removed early if someone experiences initial side effects, which would lower the total daily dose received and might decrease side effects until tolerance to them can develop.
Methylphenidate and other stimulants should not be used by people with heart disease, glaucoma, tics, by someone with significant anxiety, tension, or agitation, by someone taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or by someone with a history of psychosis. Daytrana has not been studied in children below six years old.
Related Topics: New Heart Alert for Some ADHD Drugs, Back to School with ADHD
Technorati Tags: Daytrana, ADHD medications
People with AD/HD have symptoms all day long, but taking medications several times a day, especially at school or at work, is inconvenient, is frequently "forgotten," and can be stigmatizing. Some people taking multiple doses of shorter-acting preparations feel as if they are on an "emotional rollercoaster," with symptoms increasing and decreasing as each dose is wearing off and the next dose is starting to work.
AD/HD is a life problem, not a school or work problem, and longer-acting preparations help people to normalize their life. Daytrana, a transdermal methylphenidate preparation, allows for a more flexible duration of effect - the longer you keep the patch on, the longer the effect.
Fast facts about Daytrana:
Daytrana is a clear adhesive patch containing methylphenidate that is applied to intact skin. Each area of the patch contains the same amount of medication, and dose is adjusted by wearing different patch sizes and by varying the wear time. It is available in four doses: 10, 15, 20, and 30 mg.
The 10 mg patch releases 1.1 mg of methylphenidate per hour and contains 27.5 mg per patch; the 15 mg patch delivers 1.6 mg/hr and contains 41.3 mg; the 20 mg patch delivers 2.2 mg/hr and contains 55 mg; and the 30 mg patch delivers 3.3 mg/hr and contains 82.5 mg of methylphenidate.
Daytrana is applied to the hip for nine hours. The mean peak concentrations of methylphenidate is nearly two times higher with Daytrana than with other once-daily methylphenidate preparations, thus the effective dose of Daytrana is often lower than an effective dose of Concerta or somewhat equivalent to an effective dose of Focalin XR.
Peak concentrations were also higher with Daytrana with chronic administration compared to peak concentrations after a single dose, and were higher in 6 year olds than in 12 year olds.
Daytrana is generally effective about two hours after the patch is applied. It should always be applied to intact skin, as application to inflamed skin increases the rate and extent of absorption, with peak concentrations up to 3 times higher. Heat should not be applied to the patch after application, as it would also increase the rate and extent of absorption of medication. Daytrana should always be applied to the hip as different areas of the body have different absorption rates. The patch should be removed after about 9 hours, and the medication remains effective for about 3 hours after its removal.
Potential side effects to Daytrana are similar to other methylphenidate preparations and include nausea, abdominal cramping, headache, nasopharyngitis, decreased appetite and weight loss, affect lability (increased sensitivity, emotional instability), tearfulness, insomnia, increased tics, and nasal congestion.
Daytrana is a skin irritant and the majority of people will develop erythema (redness) at the patch site that causes little discomfort. On rare occasions, contact sensitization could develop, and edema, papules, vesicles and other intense skin reactions could occur in addition to erythema. If such a reaction occurs, the patch should be removed and the doctor should be contacted. Patients who develop allergic contact dermatitis to Daytrana might develop an allergic reaction to methylphenidate in general, and might not be able to subsequently take oral methylphenidate.
Applying the Patch Properly
Daytrana is usually started at the 10 mg dose, then the dose is increased weekly until there is an appropriate effect. The patch should be placed on a clean, dry area of the hip and the skin should not be oily, damaged, or irritated. The waistline should be avoided as the patch might be rubbed off by clothing. The alternate hip should be used the following day. The patch should be held firmly in place with the palm of the hand for about 30 seconds to make sure there is good contact. After application, bathing or swimming don't affect patch adherence. If a patch does fall off, a new patch can be placed at a different site, but the total daily time of use shouldn't exceed nine hours. If a shorter duration of effect is desired, or if insomnia occurs, the patch can be removed earlier than 9 hours. The patch can also be removed early if someone experiences initial side effects, which would lower the total daily dose received and might decrease side effects until tolerance to them can develop.
Methylphenidate and other stimulants should not be used by people with heart disease, glaucoma, tics, by someone with significant anxiety, tension, or agitation, by someone taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or by someone with a history of psychosis. Daytrana has not been studied in children below six years old.
Related Topics: New Heart Alert for Some ADHD Drugs, Back to School with ADHD
Technorati Tags: Daytrana, ADHD medications
58 Comments:
My 7 year old step son has been recently diagnosed with ADHD and is on the DAYTRANA patch. My husband thinks ADHD is not a true disorder. He believes it is a "cop out" for doctors to prescribe some unneccessary medication to kids simply to satisfy the parent's inability to control a hyper kid who's had too much sugar or kids who have difficult lives (such as dealing with divorce, new marriages by their parent's, ect.)and cannot otherwise express their emotions, so they "act out". My husband grew up in children's homes and was given "medication" (Thorazine) to be left for days in a stupor so that the staff would not have to deal with him. So now, he does not believe in this disorder and is strongly opposed to medication (psychotropics)of any kind for children. I am a nurse. I believe it is a true disorder. How can I convince him to get past his denial and accept the fact that his son has a problem? He said unless and until he sees undisputable evidence, he does not believe ADHD is real. Any suggestions?
Try the medication, and prove it with the results.
Start with old fashioned short-acting Ritalin, name brand, 5mg, the medication takes about 30 minutes to absorb, and then you will see results. If you don't see any changes with the 5mg, increase it to 10 mg. Continue to increase the dose by 5mg until you see a difference in behavior, outbursts, noises, focusing ability, tics, ect. You will be convinced when you have the dosage figured out. The mecication wears off after just 4 hours, and you and your husband will "see" the regression. Don't be afraid to go up in dosage, and don't be discouraged if it constantly needs to be adjusted over the years.
I recommend this proscess only because you can "see" the results clearly. VERY CLEARLY. If you do not, perhaps you need to adjust the dose higher, or perhaps his diagnosis needs re-visiting.
After you have the short term ritalin dose figured out, try the "easier" medications (Daytrana, Concertta, Adderal).We tried the Daytrana, and it was not effictive.
I just want to know about ADHD, activity and drug reactions. I am currently taking an strong antibiotic for 9 months, I exercise about 30 minutes a day, and I'm looking for possible non interactive drugs to treat adult adhd. I was prescribed and used to take dexedrine as a child.
ADHD has been proven as a genetically linked disorder and has also been shown that there are associated decreases in brain volume in ADHD patients in the frontal cortex, where most of the symptoms arise from. The medication works to correct an imbalance in neurotransmitters found in the brain, norepinepharine, dopamine, and seratonin. What happens in ADHD is that these are removed too quickly from the space between the neurons that allow for control of the negative symptoms of ADHD, as you probably well know (anonymous). This is associated with an increase in the number of re-uptake transporters (that remove the neurotransmitters from the space) back into the neuron they were released from. That is a normal process to recycle the neurotransmitters, however, in ADHD it's ironically, hyped up and excess transmitters remove the neurotransmitters before they can truely effect the next neuron to help control the symptoms. The stimulants help to 1. block the re-uptake back into the original neuron and 2. some even stimulate excess release from the original neuron. There is lots of information out there if you search for "ADHD disorder". Good luck. Oh, and many adults get diagnosed after they find that their child/children are found to have ADHD. Could be that your husband actually has it. It's not uncommon that your husband refuses to accept it. Sometimes, having a family session at the psychiatrist or psychologist can help.
I"m writing because I was wondering what the statistics on the DAYTRANA patch are. My 6 yr old son was recently diagnosed w/ ADHD I tried to avoid medication but he has had trouble in school and the teacher recommend some help.. My sons doctor put him on the DAYTRANA patch and within the first 3 hours he was having difficulty breathing when taken to the ER they called it an "adverse" reaction but I also found out that day that the doctor had prescribed the same medication for 3-4 other children and all those children also had "adverse" reactions.. Please I would really like to know what the statistics on this medication realy are I feel that parents have a right to know that kind of thing..thank you
I AM WRITING BECAUSE MY SON HAD BEEN ON CONCERTA FOR ADHD AND IT WAS NOT WORKING.WE JUST WENT ON DAYTRANA SO HOPEFULLY IT WORKS.
My son is 12 and has been on Daytrana since September, just this week we took him off, he started having seizures/tics/spasms throughout his upper body. He has never had this before it was very overwhelming these spasms started mid december and progressed quickly. We took him to a neurologist who told us he believes its the Daytrana. Waiting for consultation from his Peds. doctor but don't believe he will be put on anything because according to neurologist he can potentially continue with these epsisodes now with any other ADD meds. We will have to come up with an alternative way. He is mild ADD, dyslexic/dsygraphic, outdoor allergies, highly allergic to nuts, eczema, asthma and crohns disease. Any suggestions?
My son, who will be six in September has had adhd since the age of 2. He In January of this year,when all other options had been explored, he was finally put on RitalinLA and he was doing good until about 4:30 when the medication wore off. Two weeks ago he was put on the Daytrana Patch and what a difference! We can now eat dinner as a family without his behavior disrupting an other wise pleasant meal. Our only difficult time is first thing in the morning before the patch is applied
I am not a qualified nurse, I am a person with an adult daughter who has accepted taking medication to treat her 'bi-polar'diagnosis, (public health system).There are suggestions this yEAR that she fits the criteria? (doctor and psychiatrist)for ADHD. additional to her obvious (to us)weakness regarding alcholic beverages.A clinical team at the hospital concerned have spoken of a three month trial on an additional medication.
We do not have the name of the drug proposed yet. My daughter is already on a see-saw path of months in good health and months when everything she does goes wrong. I have just discovered this site, very informative.
My gut reaction to drugs for medication is flatly 'no drugs'but I can see that they do help some people besides making them fat and bad tempered! Now I am expected to
endorse a group decision (includes her of course) that she should agree to this added diagnosis.
As the newly accredited nurses and doctors hit the hospitals, her notes get read and re-read and she gets older and no happier or healthier. I would be very happy to read the comments of anybody else who has lived with a bi-polar diagnosis, in the immediate family.
To the last anonymous poster asking about her daughter who may have Bipolar Disorder, we encourage you to post your message on our Bipolar Disorder Support Group message board for feedback from others.
My 8 Year old daughter has struggled with ADHD since kindergarden, but was just diagnosed at the beginning of last year. She is now in the 3rd grade. We have tried different medicines. The one that really worked for her was AdderallXR, but caused her to lose to much weight. We started exploring different meds, but to many side effects. Now she is failing in school big time and I don't know what else to do. Anybody have any suggestions? Or any info on this new patch thats out? Her school is suggesting going back on the medicine, what should I do??
Hi Jean,
For answers to questions about ADHD medications, I'd suggest a visit to Dr. Sogn's message board.
Jean,
I was in the same boat that you are in. My daughter also in 3rd grade has tried everyhing that there is out there for ADHD. She was on the Focalin XR for several yeard and was at the max dose until recently. It was just simply not working. After much research into this new Daytrana patch we decided to give it a try and hope for the best. Started off on the lowest ose available and that needed to be increased. She is now at 20 mg patch and it works wonderfully. The 10 mg patch was extremely hard to remove the backing for the adhesive. It was a struggle and I thought that the higher dose ones would be the same problem. They are much easier to remove the backing.
To the woman who's husband does not think that ADHD is a true disorder...I am speechless...I have 2 children that are 14 and 8 and they both have ADHD. As small children they were never allowed to consume gross amounts of sugar and they did not have difficult lives when they were diagnosed. I think it is unfair to put a child through school without the medicine that they so desperately will need to help them concentrate to become adults. I think your husband needs to be educated about ADHD before he really forms an opinion on it. Thanks, Michelle
My daughter is 15 years old and has been treated for ADHD since she was 9. We recently started her on the Daytrana patch and it seems to work well for her especially getting her through her homework in the evening, but I have had trouble getting the material off the back. She is on the 30 mg dose. I had to scrap several patches because I couldn't get the backing off without tearing the patch. I think this is definitely a problem.
I have the same problem with the backing of the patches. Not only is it difficult to put a patch on a wiggly child but then the backing won't come off cleanly or easily. My son is on the lowest dose and it is working wonderfully. The teacher's could not believe the change in him.
my stepson has been on many different doses of this medication patch and pills, right now he is on 15mg and he's been on 10mg patch and i think all he acutally gets outta this is the side effects, the stomache aches the insomnia, all the side effects but nothing as far as what the pill is suppose to do, it does not help him concentrate or calm him down i think all this pills are for is exactly for parents who don't wanna or can't control their kids, and i personally don't think kids should have to be drugged up for u to deal with them be a parent and deal with them as far as me and my fiance are concerned this is a crock, we do not believe this is real in any way, im tired of a 5 year old being switched every week to something new and different, well what are we suppose to do, we can't just stop giving it to him cause of the side effects that may occur but we don't like giving it to him because of the side effects it always has on him. i just think this is wrong to do to kids, and i don't see why parents are doing this........????
Jennifer if you are so unhappy with having to put a child on ADHD medication then why don't you take him off of them and deal with his behavior? I am not exactly sure why you came to this board to complain and him being on meds when you guys are the one that is enforcing he actually take it.. YOU AS THE PARENTS are the only people that ENFORCE your child to take his meds. Not doctors.. They only prescribe them.
jennifer, I work for a company that provides ADHD meds and happen to know that ADHD is one of the most studied disorders in the history of mental disorders. Are all these doc's wrong and YOU AND YOUR FIANCE who most likely do not have a highschool degree right? You should do some reasearch about ADHD and the fact that it is caused by the imbalance of two Neurotransmitters in the brain Norepinephrine and Dopamine. Medication is not about controling these kids, but giving them a chance to do well in school and in social situations so they can go on to college and make a life for themselves. By the way, ADHD is a genetic disorder, what do you do for a living?
I think jennifer should take some drugs herself so the rest of the family can deal better with her.
My 10 yr old was diagnosed over 2 years ago. I told the doctor, "but I have those same symptoms!". I went on Concerta shortly thereafter and it has helped my ability to focus and get work done. But I wish there were more options like Daytrana for adults.
Jennifer, the ability to exert self-control is expected for an adult but is critical for a young child. And it's not the teacher's responsibility to deal with your raging or disruptive child; they have enough to do with 30+ kids all day. If you really believe this is a pharmafraud, don't medicate your kid and homeschool him yourself. That oughta get you to see the light.
Good luck with your future enlightment...
I think I need some advice...my son who is ADHD, since 5 when the doctors told us has been on all different types of medicine, some have made him sick, weight loss, walking around like a zombie, loss of sleep, I am sure others have also went through this. We even tried taking him off of the medicine which didn't work. So, then we found Daytrana....a gift sent from God. He is wonderful now comes the bad news, after using the free 40 patch trial our insurance company says they won't cover it because, the FDA says it is only for children 6 - 12 and he is 15 1/2. Ok, I understand but what I don't understand is the DOCTOR has said this is what he needs, and this is something that does wonderful for him NO SIDE EFFECTS, has anyone ever incountered this with their insurance companies and if so any help would be greatly appreciated....thanks in advance kim
Kim,
I am 17 and currently on Daytrana for ADD. I was diagnosed less than a year ago when I was 16. I don't understand why they say it is only for kids 6-12 years old, and our insurance covers most of the cost of the medication (We have Aetna). So either there was a misunderstanding somewhere along the line, or its specific to your insurance that they won't cover it (for some reason).
We are new to all this. Our son is 6yrs old and has just been diagnosed with ADHD. We have tried Vyvanse, with scary side affect.. tics, anger, tears..you name it he had it. Then we went to 18mg of Concerta, he did ok in school but at home was kinda angry and a bit more defiant than usual.. doctors and teachers thought concentration at school needed to be a bit better so we increase the dose to 27mg,the anger and defiance really increased.. He was not himself at all.. We just started Daytrana, Has anyone had these side affect with this patch.. just hoping we are on the right path for him .. He need to feel sucess in school.. he's so aware of what others can do that he can't yet...
I have a 7 yr old son that was diagnosed with ADHD around the age of 5 years old - we just decided to place my second grader on Daytrana around about 3 weeks ago. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS DRUG - my son is now having seizures even after he stop using the mecidine - it is very important to get the facts before you try anything. I honestly believe that GOD has our children this way for a reason and everyone needs to just focus on the beauty of these children and the condition. PLEASE DONT USE DAYTRANA...I almost lost my child because he completely stopped breathing and my husband proformed cpr on his and the ambulance had to be rush to the hospital. PLEASE DONT USE THIS MECIDINE!!!
Both my daughters have just started the Daytrana. The 15 year old took to it immediately. She does great on it. My 10 year old is not so lucky. She is on 30 mg. and it is just not strong enough. We are supplementing it with 10 mg Ritilin right before she boards the school bus. Her first period teacher says the supplement has made all the difference in her ability to focus. My question to you parents out ther is... how long do you find the patch to become fully effective after being placed on the skin. Something I read said that it takes up to 2 hours. I would like to skip the supplement but the first period teacher says she is not in control at the time. She gets her patch 2 hours before school starts.
For the poster at 1:59--your psychobabble about these children being beautiful the way they are gives you away as a medicine hating idiot. The fact of the matter is that these children face a number of increased risks--higher substance use disorder in adulthood, much higher rate of teen pregnancy, car accidents, alcoholism, and depression secondary to constant failure. By removing a valuable tool, you're greatly increasing the chance of negative outcomes.
If you want to disagree with medication, fine, but keep your factually incorrect information at home. It hurts the children.
PS--Any stimulant can lower the seizure threshold, but if your child had a seizure, he had a pre-existing EEG abnormality to begin with. He would NOT continue having seizures even after the medication cleared his bloodstream. Furthermore, you don't do CPR on someone who still has a heartbeat (not stops breathing).
Well I was just "officially" diagnossed with ADHD inatentive type and the doctor perscribed me Concerta. My question is what causes the weight loss is it the decreased appetite or is there something in it that speeds up the metabolism or is it something else. Because I think I am still eating the same.
Methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana) cause short-term weight loss for both reasons--mild speeding of metabolism (caffeine does more), and more prominently, appetite suppression. After 18 months of treatment, weight seems to rebound to where it would be with no medication whatsoever. Good luck.
My 6year old daughter was recently diagnosed with ADHD. I waited a couple of days to give her the medicine to see how she reacted. Roughly four hours after giving it to her, she had extemely dry mouth, was nervously moving her hands, and couldn't sit still. The doctor prescribed Daytrana 30mg. I was wondering if this was a normal reaction or if the dosage was too high. She honestly can't function like this at school if she can't sit still.And will these symptoms go away?
Daytrana's highest dosage is 30 mg. While your doctor knows best, this might be too high of a dose if your daughter is newly diagnosed. If she has been on medication previously, he might have switched her directly to an equivalent dose of Daytrana.
Talk to him about reducing the dose to achieve better effect.
My doctor has just prescribed Daytrana for my 11 year old daughter. This is a switch from Ritalin LA. The past few weeks she as started to have angry outburst in the morning and having a problem with fighting at school. The Dr. has started her on 30mg patch (she only weight 136lbs) I am concerned that this dose is too high to start her off on. Please reply asap
ADHD medications aren't really dosed by weight, although some physicians do so. Since stimulant medications have no established therapeutic window (blood level for effectiveness, the doctor usually moves the dose up or down to find the best effect.
A known side effect of methylphenidate is irritability and aggressiveness...if you're experiencing these problems, either change the dose or product.
Adults can take Daytrana - my good friend started it a few weeks ago and when my doctor started me on it I have found it works wonderfully. I am on the 20mg patch. Talk to your doctor!
I read in a previous comment that the dosage is not affected with age. But what does affect it? My 8 year old son has been on Daytrana a little over year and was really doing well. All of a sudden, he's back to not paying attention, disrupting class, talking out of turn and lying to his teacher! I'm afraid to up his dosage to 30mg. That's the last dosage they provide. What happens after that? I know he's still getting his patch, because I put it on every morning myself.
My 7 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago. We started with Adderall and have been on Daytrana 15 mg for the past 18 months. We couldn't be happier. It has made such a difference in his life, at school and at home. I highly recommend trying Daytrana.
what if the patch daytrana is not put on every day as the dr. ordered?
I am a 17 yr old female, I started taking the Daytrana patch 3 days ago.
I have ADD inattention and Bipolar disorder type 1, with a lot of free floating anxiety.
It makes me sad to hear so many adults talk about their children or the people who try to help them this way.
ADD, or ADHD, Bipolar, Depression, etc - These are all real diseases, illnesses that will not go away. Mabe your child has been misdiagnosed, maybe it's a phase, whatever form of denial you choose to wear - please do not mock what I go through everyday.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar based on a chemical reaction to a medication I began taking when I was twelve, my disease was not caused BY the med, but since then I have begun a long and painful process of experimenting with my doctors to try and find a drug that is complex enough to handle me and simple enough to not wreak havoc on my stomach.
I hate taking pills, I hate not being normal, but I also hate the chunk of my life I had to spend in hospitals and the parts I don't remember because I was too psychotic (As in PSYCHOSIS, look it up. Not as in Crazy.) to cope with the world.
I think that everyone needs to be a little bit more trusting of the doctors they choose to hire, and a little bit less judgemental of the diagnosis, disease, children or parents.
Mental illness is difficult, but it is not something to blame on anything. It is a chemical imbalance. Please stop raining stigma all over me, it just makes it harder for me to be healthy, happy and as normal as I want to.
I have never done drugs, I use condoms, I have good grades, My Iq is in the 140s and I plan to go to college. I am not a problem child, but I do have problems that I need help with, stop the sterotypes and start supporting the children of our communities, please.
Logan,
Your comment deserves a standing ovation. I especially think this should be highlighted for everyone to remember:
Mental illness is difficult, but it is not something to blame on anything. It is a chemical imbalance. Please stop raining stigma all over me, it just makes it harder for me to be healthy, happy and as normal as I want to.
Logan,
I must complement you on being open with your diagnosis. It really helps some us going through our own mental disabilites. I hate the fact that i dont feel normal and always afraid people are very judgemental. Its hard enough to try to find a good physician or should i say Physciatrst to give the the right med and the a diagnosis. Ive been diagnosied with adult add and tried many meds to only find the one that worked which was ADDERRAL and sad to say it worked for a while and then had a fall back and ended up in hospital for severe depression. Now Im taking nothing and still struggling with my symtomps. Excuse my spelling past my bedtime. ANYone with some advise?
I need help. My son is having trouble concentrating at school. We have had problems since Kindergarten. His doctor says ADHD. I don't know what to do. I want to help him but I am afraid of the medications. I love him more than anything and I want to do what is right. What medication should we try first or should we try extra help in school? I am making myself sick about this. I want to do the right thing
My son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was preschool age. It was so hard for us as parents, and for him as well! All his day care teachers just said hw was a "bad kid" and his dad and I knew that was just not true. He just couldn't slow down long enough to listen to direction. And transition was almost imposible!
After trying a slew a prescriptions, we found Focilin (just the regular Focilin, not the RX). It let my boy slow down enough to listen, concentrate, make eye contact with teachers, finish projects, move from one center to another without his world coming to an end... all without taking away his beautiful personality.
Now we take the generic(dexmethylphenidate) which is a bonus to the pocket book as well! Now we are in Second grade. And he made all "S's" on his grade card! We have found our godsend!
for those who think ADHD in fiction. . . to test your child wait until things get rough and give that child a can of Coke straight red can coke. within 1/2 hour if the child is more focused and better behaved without any other intervention then see doc for ADHD meds. I have 3 children 2 are clearly ADHD 1 is not as of yet because his epilepsy drugs mask ADHD. my boy 14, and girl 13 have been diagnosed for many years age 4 and 5, long long road but well worth the trick. current meds are risperdone for boy and daytrana for girl.
My daughter is 12 years old diagnosed with ADHD and Austism. She has been taking Vyvanse for 5.5 weeks. Her weight at the beginning was 61 lbs. and now she is 54 lbs. and has dropped down two clothing sizes. I think she seems more focused and can respond to instructions better. But she also shows more anger and anxiety which was non existent before. We used to call her a free spirit because she absolutely loved life and would participate in it fully but now she is apprehensive. I've also noticed periods of constant talking or re-arranging things. Has anyone else had this experience?
My son was diagnosed with 'extreme' ADHD that FAR exceeded the typical ADHD symptoms.
We choose not to medicate him at home and cope accordingly but for school days he receives the DAYTRANA patch. We have had great success with it. Here are a couple of pointers: We cut the patch down.
He is on the 10 mg patch and I cut it in 1/2 or even in 1/3 b/f applying. Also, I keep the patches in the freezer so the humidity doesn't prevent them from peeling.
For anonymous who posted at 10:29 - don't be afraid to get help for your son. It may be that you will need to try medication, extra help at school, outside tutoring, even a different school, before you find what works for him. And as he grows, "what works" may change. It is an ongoing journey.
To anonymous with an 8-year old whose Daytrana just stopped working: the "right" medication can change as your child matures. Or it is possible he is removing his patch after he leaves home because he doesn't like the way he feels with it. Talk to him about it.
My high-school aged son has tried three different meds, in addition to many other interventions, over the years. He has just switched to Daytrana because he was unhappy with the side effects of his previous med, and we are hoping this will give him more of a sense of control over his dosing. Godd luck to all of us...
I am a 40yr old woman, just diagnosed with ADHD, and have been on 20mg Daytrana. I wish to God my parents would have treated my illness early on. Instead, I have spent close to 35 years knowing I was differant but not understanding why. My life has been full of faliures and shame. I immediately noticed a differance and the ironic thing is that I was one of those who had a tendecy to believe ADHD was a parenting issue and/or unstable home life. Don't let your children suffer thru constant humiliation. I can focus, have interest in things, can perform task instead of giving up. I am shoked and amazed by how different I am now. It is my personal belief that as a parent you will know after using the patch, that day, if your child is truely ADHD. Being medicated, taking the risk involved is something I would do in a heartbeat if I could take back those years.
I'm a 52 y/o female that started seeing a doctor for my symptoms about a month ago. My symptoms (which seem to be getting worse in the past 10 years)are: racing thoughts, hard to concentrate with noises around me, starting a sentence and being into the next topic before the other thought is finished and anxiety. My doctor started me on Lamictal and I'm up to 200mg without any changes. She started me on Daytrana yesterday. If you are to see results, how long before you feel changes? She tells me it's hard to diagnois ADHD in people over 25. Any comments or suggestions? I feel most of my family has these traits. It sure would be nice to know what it is!! Thanks for your help.
We have two autsic boys 10 and 3. the 3 yr also has ADHD. We are currently looking at medicating him, we have to do something as all other treatments have not. and he is a danger to himself and his siblings. I have been looking up info on the meds out there for him and the only info is for children age 6 and up. Does anyone have any ideas what would be good and not harmful to him? please help....
mom2autistic:
I'd like to invite you to visit our Autism Support Group board and post your question there.
I appreciate everyones openness and honesty.
My Ped's son is on Daytrana and my son has just been prescibed it as well. I wanted to share his comment for all of you who have made comments about weightloss and appetite on Daytrana.
**He told me that my son MUST drink a Pediasure shake (found next to the baby formula in the grocery store) or a large glass of milk in the morning. I also started him on ham and eggs instead of cereal because the higher protein gives more energy and sustains him through lunch.
He also said that his son (9) does not usually eat lunch. My friend said her daughter has the same problem.
Hope this helps!
My 11 yr old daughter has been on every med under the sun. She was first diagnosed with ADHD at age 2. In the years following they have added impulsivity disorder and then at 8 (which is very young for this diagnosis) Bi polar disorder. She also has Cognitive Audio Processing Disorder. She has a very high metabolism and even the ex pills are out of her system in less than 3 hrs. So the doc is having her take her abilify in two doses instead of one and we switched to the daytrana patch. She is on the 30mg patch which works great when I can get her to keep it on. She has started to remove it on the bus ride to school and then the school has to call and have me bring a new one. We cannot get extras for the month so sometimes we run out. My question for you is there another part of the body we could place the patch such as between her shoulder blades so it is harder for her to remove? She is on an iep at school but even with that she is starting to make Fs again. She had been getting all As when she wore the patch all day.
Also, to the parents who do not believe these illnesses are real, Please do some research. My parents did not think anything was wrong with me and did not do anything about my behavior when I was a teen. I am now 40 and have been diagnosed with Bi polar disorder and ADHD. My doc started me on meds and I am a real person now. I failed out of college in my early twenties but, since starting meds I returned to school and have a college degree. I acted out badly in school and by the time I got to college I was out of control. I suffered for decades with this disease with no help. PLEASE GET YOUR CHILDREN THE HELP THEY NEED! They will thank you for it when they are well functioning adults. By the way I am not dumb or stupid I have an IQ of 167. I have an illness that drove my life into a downward spiral.
My son has been on the Daytrana patch (10 mg) for over a year. it worked wonderfully! recently we bumped him up to 15 mg. he has been on it for a month, just got the 2nd prescription filled this week. He is like a different kid..(disrespectful, outburst, etc.) even his teacher said this week has been tough. its like he's not on any medication. she even called me to ask if i had forgotten to give it to him. my question is... can the 15 mg, make such a drastic change in ones behavior. We had NO trouble with the 10 mg. his dr mentioned changing his medication..but i'm really not wanting to, be/c he cant swallow pills and it makes our morning 'chaotic' trying to get him to do something he doesnt want to do. any suggestions on a new easier, medication.. or can the 15 mg make one have actions like this?
My son has been treated for ADHD since he was 3. I actually knew he was hyper inutero. Without medication, my son would not be able to function as a normal child. He is now 8. My problem is that his doctor does not think I know what I'm talking about when I say the medication is not working effectively any more. He's taking Ritalin LA 30 mg. He has been on this now for 3 1/2 years. How do I get the doctor to understand the meds are not working right. I even got the school involved and had the school psyic. send info to the doc. What do I do now.
Well, I just turned 16 and I was diagnosed with ADHD when i was about 9-10 (i think, i dont remems.)
Anyways, my parents are divorced and my mom and i have been trying for months to get my dad to agree for me to back on meds for ADHD...when i was first diagnosed, the doc recommended that i go on Ritalin...that lasted a month until my dad told my mom that he would have her sued for not having him in this decision...I didnt know this...
anyways, I'm now in high school, barely made it, i was a very disruptive and distracted hyper kid throughtout elementary school, always getting up and doing dangerous but curious things for example i remember in 3rd grade i wondered if straws can go through one ear and out the other (like in cartoons) So i took my straw during lunch period one day and shoved it in the kids ear next to me, i almost broke his ear drum my mom told me. The Teacher yelled at me and all i had to say was "I guess things dont come out of people ears..." Wow i was weird child...
i was kind of like in Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key... Ever read that book, it's about a 4th grader w/ ADHD, it's a children chapter book, its good i recommend it...
Anyways, I have been recenlty, like 2 weeks ago put on the Daytrana patch. Last week i was on 10 mg...NADA happened, still singing songs in class and asking the teacher while she was giving a lesson about how do penguins mate...
So my doc bumped it up this monday to 20 mg, and i haven't really been speaking out of turn...but i do still doodle...but no one's perfect...
You all might be wondering why im up so late... yeah, um, I forgot to take the patch off until about an hour ago...what? i forgot!
Anyways, i also had a question..
if the thingy say only for kids 6-12, then why am i on it???
And I also want to know if there is a way to "get over" severe cases of ADHD w/out meds?..
My 6 yr old son was just diagnosed adhd and has been on Daytrana for 3 days now. The first day he was at Grandmas house and she said it was like night and day( the difference). The next day he was a nightmare more towards the afternoon, but the morning was fine. He was almost too engrossed in his lincoln logs that I couldn't get him outside. Today was Monday, First day at school with the medication. I put his patch on at 7am. The teacher said by 10am he was totally focused and had a great day. The patch came off at 4:30. And not too long after he was mouthy, loud and irritable. Not doing anything I asked. He didn't get to bed until 10pm. These mood changes can't be good for him? Plus it is only addressing the issues at school, not at home. This whole medication thing makes me nervous, but we decided to try. How long, a week, afew days, before we really decide if this is working?
To the mom whose 6 yr old son was on Vyvanse and now Daytrana. I don't think my comment will be helpful but simply wanted to share. My 8yr son was diagnosed last June 2007. We've tried Adderall XR, Focaline 10mg, that worked okay, but wore off by 2pm, and then Focaline 15mg that, I felt, was too strong. It didn't allow him to socially engage at school, in my opinion. His homeroom teacher felt he was socially engaged but not to my satisfaction. We moved to Daytrana 30mg, which worked well but still not as engaging in my opinion. After that we tried Daytrana 10mg which work really well with skin irritation being the only side effect. He didn't develp a rash but said the patch felt as if someone was poking needles into his side, resulting in him picking at the patch- creating a distraction and not focusing. It was by far the best balance. We've been blessed thus far not to have experience any major side effects. We then tried Concerta 18, 24, and 36mg which was ineffective, and now we are in our third week taking Vyvanse. I am quite apprehensive because it is a very new drug. It seems to make him fatigued and very passive on the lacrosse field. Oh, before I forget, Daytrana seems to really curve their appetite, not only my child but also some of the parents at the school say the same thing. Since experimenting (I hate using that word, and having to use meds.) with these drugs in August '07, my son who generally grows like a week has not grown at all to date. I don't know if this is a side effect from all meds. we've tried or one in particular. If we remain on Vyvanse through June and has not grown I will be forced to take him off the meds. and find an alternative route. If it works well, he will need to take them during the summer for tutoring purposes but also to regain sanitity in our home with two other children who require the attention of my husband and me.
To the 12:55am author. I have felt and still feel the same way you do. I went online and everything about the meds. frightened me and still do!!! It's not a day that doesn't go by where I wondering if we are doing the right thing by having our children on medication. I was sooo angry, not at the physcoeducator who performed the testing, but just that this occured. I was actually relieved to learn that it was something and not my imagination. You sort of feel in your gut that your child should perform better in school or that simple instructions shouldn't be a struggle. Before putting my son on medication, I called the pyhscoeducator crying and frustrated that this has happened and she understood! She has a son on medication. I then called my son's homeroom teacher feeling pretty much the same way, and she said try it, and if you don't like it, your not committed, but see the differences in his school work and confidence- she, too, has a grown daughter who has been on medication since upper school. Every teacher I spoke to at his school has a child on medication and I found some comfort with that because I am sure they didn't want their children on medication, either. Also, teachers and doctors, alike, gave me the same example, which is, if you or your child had diabetes or some other disease, would you treat it- yes, of course I would. Well, there's very little difference especially if you, the parent, do your homework and study the frontal cortex and neurotransmitters. I have a step son who is now 23. He took medication as a child when only Ritilin was on the market, which made him sick,therefore, he stopped it. He falls in the statistics of what has been said about children diagnosed and on untreated and I REFUSED to have that happen to my children. My husband immediately said, "no" to medicate our 7yr until I explained the facts to him and now he's all for medicating him. Although we are careful at making these decisions, I am even more careful. I didn't know what medication to ask for at the doctor's office and of course no one wants to suggest a medication, so I started with whatever the doctor suggested. After awhile, I choose a pyschiatrist who specilizes in this area to see my children. Although our pedicatrician is fine, I needed someone who mirrored my personality and was more verbal. That made me feel more comfortable as I was involved in areas unfamiliar to us. I have also scheduled an appt. with a pediactric neurologist to see if there is any info he can offer about medication or how my children's brain works considering this affects the brain. Hope this helps!
My 10 year old daughter has been seeing a therapist 4 quite some time now about 9 months. He has classified her with adhd recently, he has dicussed putting her on meds. The thought of this scares me alot. The therapist wants to put her on Daytrana? I have read up alot on this medicine. I have read alot of good things about it and some bad too. Sometimes though I really think she needs them. She has a short attention span an not very good grades an is very moody. Her father and I have shared custody of her and I believe this has alot to do with her behavior as well. If anyone out there can give me some good advice on this medicine patch Daytrana please let me know???!!!!
Our 5 year old has been on Adderall 5mg, and 10mg. what we've noticed is 2year old like tantrums, being mean to others (especially those younger then him), and crash and burn at 3-5 o'clock. Some days seemed to be great and others are just horrible. (not that I'm looking for a "perfect" solution to 5 year old behavior) His doctor wants to start him on the Daytrana patch, and I don't know anything about it, but would like some insight on it for a almost 6 year old boy. What's so different between Daytrana and Adderall?? Thanks!
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