Special Needs Education

» Mommytkd - new to Daytrana

In response to new to Daytrana posted by ShansMom:

We are also trying 10 mg patch Daytrana for my almost 9 yr old son. First couple days, noticed not much. 4th day was like a dream come true -- saw him come home happy from school with his homework actually in his homework folder in his backpack (you can't imagine how shocked I was!) Next day was a bit of a disaster at school but still he was able to get homework done in less than 3 hours. Am curious about long-term... anyone been on it for a while?

-- posted by Mommytkd

» mom0611 - new to Daytrana

In response to new to Daytrana posted by ShansMom:
Does your daughter swallow a pill for the focalin or do you sprinkle it on something? I am curious why you are using the patch along with the focalin. Does the focalin not provide enough help? I am just wondering what other people do to try and manage this. My son is not very hyperactive, just very distracted, unable to organize or complete his thoughts sometimes, and seeking out a lot of stimulation (i.e. always wants the t.v. on or the radio when we are in the car, or jumps on a little trampoline we have in our basement, etc.) He is also very impatient and fidgety. So I am still not seeing results from the 10 mg patch he is on, but we will give it a little more time and increase it if necessary. It is great to be able to communicate w/ others going through this!! Thanks!

-- posted by mom0611

» Molly6163 - new to Daytrana

In response to new to Daytrana posted by mom0611:
My 8 year old son started on the patch about 3 months ago. They usually start you at 10mg for a week, then 15mg. If you're noticing no change then he probably needs a higher dose.

I like the patch. This is the 3rd medication we've tried (in 2 years) and it's the best so far. One recommendation...if you have trouble removing the backing from the patch, use tweezers!

-- posted by Molly6163

» Molly6163 - I received a trial card from Shir

In response to I received a trial card from Shir posted by doris0728:
My 8 year old son has had the same problem...the skin irritation seems to come and go, don't know why.

Use TWEEZERS to remove the backings on the patch. I ruined many patches trying to peel them by hand, early in the morning, without benefit of coffee!

-- posted by Molly6163

» Molly6163 - I received a trial card from Shir

In response to I received a trial card from Shir posted by 5thwheeler:
I couldn't reach anyone at Shire either! I was having so much trouble removing the backings that I returned an entire box to Walgreens.

Using tweezers to remove the backings has helped tremendously.

-- posted by Molly6163

» Molly6163 - Tics?

I'm noticing a tic. My son only uses the patch on school days, but I notice a facial tic when he gets home from school (until the drug wears off). Does anyone know how "dangerous" this side effect is? I have a call into my pediatrician.

-- posted by Molly6163

» doris0728 - Tics?

In response to Tics? posted by Molly6163:

Hi Molly,
Thanks for the tip....I'll try the tweezers tomorrow.
My daughter has not experienced any tics....is that one of the side effects?

-- posted by doris0728

» doris0728 - new to Daytrana

In response to new to Daytrana posted by mom0611:

Saw your message about your son's size and dosage. My daughter just turned 10 and weighs 60 lbs and is on 10mg. 10 is the lowest dosage and I think they start most of the kids on that if they haven't been on meds before. I'd give it a little more time before you increase the dosage...I'm always afraid to overmedicate...

-- posted by doris0728

» mom0611 - new to Daytrana

In response to new to Daytrana posted by doris0728:
I agree with you about not wanting to overmedicate. Is the 10 mg working for your daughter so far? My son has been on the 10 mg for 6 days now. I have noticed that it has been taking him a long time to fall asleep at night. I know this can be one of the side effects, but since I really don't notice any other changes in him and he is having no other side effects (i.e. decreased appetite, etc.) it's so hard to tell whether the sleep thing is related to the medication. Has anybody else experienced difficulty falling asleep?

-- posted by mom0611

» jordiesmama - new to Daytrana

In response to new to Daytrana posted by mom0611:

Yes, Jordan has tried several of the meds, not the patch, but he has difficulty falling asleep and rather fitful sleep. He also talks in his sleep frequently. Adderall(amphetamine) and Concerta were the worst. We have to remember they are all ritalin, just different compounds.If it is something new, I would definitely relate it to the patch. RB

-- posted by jordiesmama