I know that my son's doctor didnt want to give him the patch yet. she said it was to new and that she wanted to see the results with other people before she gave it out to her patients.

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My son has severe AD/HD - diagnosed in kindergarten. His pediatrician had us go to a psychiatrist. We finally got to see a child psychiatrist and he gave us prescriptions for both Focalin and also for the Daytrana patch. We tried the patch on my son (he's 10) yesterday and so far, it seemed to work out fine. He said it was mildly itchy at first, but then he didn't even think about it after a while. When my husband took it off him, he said it hurt only a little bit, but after a bit, he didn't even think about it. I guess time will tell. But, sofar, I am happy with the patch. We gave my son a choice, and he chose to try the Patch rather than taking a pill. Also, the patch doesn't go through the liver which is a good thing. If your doctors won't let you try the patch, then go to some one who will.

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My son has been using the Daytrana patch since Nov. The psychiatrist told me that it is the same medication that is in the Ritalin. He has done GREAT with it! We were having horrible battles over swallowing the pills. We had to experiment with the dosage to find the right one. I do notice that his skin is red when removing the patch. Since you alternate hips, it has not been a problem so far. Good luck.

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Thanks for the replies.

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Can you tell me more about this patch since I am ADD/ADHD it may be something I would like because it doesn't go to the liver

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It is Methylphenidate in time release patch. I am tired of pills so I asked if I can try the patch. It can last for 12 hrs but is suggested to be removed after 5 hrs. You adjust it to your time or work schedule. I will talk more to my doc tomorrow so I can let you know more then. You wear it on your hip and alternate hips each day. Hope that this helped a little bit. You can find info on it on the computer also.

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Thank You Badger, I will ask my doctor about it.

Frankly I am very sick of pills; and sometimes I forget if I took them. Have you ever done that? It stinks because you spend a good 15-20 minutes trying to remember; and if you can't you may as well forget the meds for that time. I haven't taken a medication for 3-4 months; and my husband tells me my ADD/ADHD is more evident. So I need to do something

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I would forget to take my pills at work. That's how I got myself in trouble. I would go back on the pills and still ask your doctor about the daytrana. I also have to use one of those pill boxes with days of the week on them to be sure that I did take them. It sure solved that issue.

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Well I saw my doc yesterday and he said that he doesn't think that I need daytrana

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what was his reasons about the meds.? if you dont mind me asking?

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Because I'm on dexedrine and have never taken methylphenidate. I do well on dexedrine and he didn't know how I would do on something new. dexedrine is an amphetamine and methylphenidate is made from amphetamine salts. He has a good point. Just tired of pills.

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I guess that I will have to look at it like why fix something that isn't broke. Even though sometimes I feel broke and frustrated. Oh well, all part of having ADHD.

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I bet it is hard. my little boy has adhd/aspergers. i cant imagine what is going through his head. i know one thing he is happy boy and always has been. i am hoping he will stay that way. hang in there, it seems to me with adhd you take one day at a time.

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My 10-year-old son just switched from Focalin XR to Daytrana about a week ago, and it's WONDERFUL. He was actually doing ok on the Focalin, but his doctor wanted to try the patch - she said she liked the way it metabolizes into the bloodstream (something like that) and it would probably be more effective than the Focalin. She was right. I can tell the difference. He's more focused and able to finish what he starts. He also breezes through his homework now - amazing.

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I have heard good reports about the patch. A child psychiatrist told us that it is superior to the pills because the blood level is kept constant. The pills can cause rebound effects for some people as the medication wears off making them especially irritable or emotional. Badger, just because you have never tried any form of methylphenidate does not mean it will not work. It may or may not. I don't see the harm in trying it. Of course, it sounds like you would have to see a different doctor if you really wanted to try the patch.

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to pilexy99 in gresham,oregon:

We used to live in Camas, Wa and my son too is ADHD/Aspergers'. Do you see Dr. David Willis in Portland? Office is off Barnes Rd I believe. He's a pediatric pschy.(the kind that can write Rx) and is considered "the guy" to see. If you're not satisfied w/ your treatment or advice, I'd really recommend him.

I just smiled when I saw your post since you're from our old grounds and your son sounds similar!

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