"Why is the Daytrana skin patch considered less likely to be abused than pills? And is it just for kids?"
by
Larry Silver, M.D.
The new transdermal patch contains methylphenidate, the same drug found in Ritalin. It's less likely to be abused because it releases the methylphenidate very slowly. People who wish to abuse stimulants prefer pills, which can be swallowed (or crushed and snorted) for a rapid onset of action.
Although the patch has been heavily marketed as an option for kids who cannot swallow pills, it can be used by adults as well as children.