ADHD: Pills vs. Patches

Pills or patches: which best is the best treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? While both are effective and regularly prescribed, there are many things to consider before consulting your doctor. ADHD is treated with stimulants, whether through an oral medication like Adderall or Ritalin, or a skin patch like Daytrana.

Patches and pills contain similar ingredients (like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate) which stimulate the central nervous system to control impulses and hyperactivity.

These stimulants help with focus and concentration.

With a methylphenidate patch like Daytrana, the stimulants are slowly released through the skin and usually take effect within two hours. The patch is normally applied to the hip area, and removed after about nine hours (but timing can vary depending on the patient).

Pills can be prescribed as slow- or extended-release, which last for about seven hours and allow you to take fewer pills throughout the day, or as normal release, which takes effect immediately and are taken more frequently depending on their dosage.

There are also non-stimulant pills available that treat ADHD, some in conjunction with and others as an alternative to a stimulant.

Side Effects:

Because the main ingredients of skin patches and oral pills are in the same family, there are no distinct differences in the side effects experienced. Most side effects of any ADHD medication come when you first begin treatment, and do not last long or need medical attention. These include:

• Nausea or stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Trouble sleeping
• And occasionally, tics.

Drug Safety:

In both pills and patches, these stimulants can be habit-forming. If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, a non-stimulant option might serve you better. No stimulants, like patches or pills, should be used if you have taken any type of MAO inhibitor within two weeks, or are under the age of six. There is also a handful of prescription drugs that should not be mixed with pills or patches treating ADHD, so tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription drugs.

Patches should not be used if you have ever had a reaction to an adhesive bandage or transdermal skin patch before. People with glaucoma, tics or Tourette’s syndrome, or severe anxiety are also advised not to use skin patches like Daytrana.

You should also limit or avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine while using the patch, and stay away from heat sources like tanning beds, heating pads, saunas, and hot baths. When your body temperature rises, the patch may release too much methylphenidate into your body.

Pills are not advised for people with high blood pressure or heart disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, anxiety, or a history of addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Pregnant or nursing? You may be able to use a patch but should stay away from taking pills.

Thinking of switching or stopping?

Because the stimulants used in pills and patches can be habit-forming, withdrawal symptoms are possible if the drugs are taken for a long period of time. Stopping treatment at once can make these symptoms worse, so consult a doctor to discuss weaning off of either the patch or pills. Depending on your dosage and frequency, weaning off or switching – whether from pills to patches, patches to pills, or to another treatment option entirely – may take up to a few months.

There are also non-stimulant pills available that treat ADHD, some in conjunction with and others as an alternative to a stimulant. These can help relieve persistent side effects, or accommodate other medical conditions.

In the end, deciding between the Daytrana skin patch and Adderall oral pills is a choice you and your doctor should make together. Once you do, save money on your prescriptions with these coupons from HelpRX