Looking for a doctor who can prescribe Daytrana? Learn which specialists prescribe it, how to find a provider near you, and what to expect at your visit.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and you're interested in Daytrana — the methylphenidate transdermal patch — finding the right prescriber is your first step. However, there's an important caveat: Daytrana has been discontinued by its manufacturer, Noven Pharmaceuticals. While the medication is no longer being produced, understanding which doctors prescribe it can still help you find a provider who can discuss similar ADHD treatment options.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the types of doctors who prescribe Daytrana, how to find them near you, and what to expect when you get there.
Daytrana is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it requires a prescription from a licensed medical provider. Several types of doctors can prescribe it:
Psychiatrists — especially child and adolescent psychiatrists — are the most common prescribers of ADHD medications like Daytrana. They specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, including ADHD, and are very familiar with the full range of stimulant medications.
For children aged 6-17 (Daytrana's FDA-approved age range), pediatricians are often the first point of contact. Many pediatricians are comfortable prescribing ADHD stimulants and can initiate treatment or refer to a specialist when needed.
Family medicine doctors and internists can also prescribe Daytrana and other ADHD medications. If you already have a primary care provider, this may be the easiest starting point for a conversation about your ADHD treatment.
While less common, neurologists sometimes treat ADHD, particularly in complex cases involving other neurological conditions. They are fully qualified to prescribe Schedule II stimulants.
Here are several strategies for locating a prescriber in your area:
Start by checking your insurance company's online provider directory. Search for psychiatrists, pediatricians, or primary care physicians and filter by those who list ADHD as a specialty or area of focus.
Your current primary care doctor can refer you to an ADHD specialist. Referrals can sometimes speed up the appointment scheduling process and may be required by your insurance plan.
Websites like Psychology Today and Zocdoc allow you to search for providers by specialty, location, and insurance acceptance. Look for psychiatrists who specialize in ADHD.
Telehealth has expanded significantly for ADHD care. Platforms like Done, Cerebral, and others offer virtual ADHD evaluations and medication management. While they are unlikely to prescribe Daytrana specifically (since it's discontinued), they can prescribe alternative ADHD medications that may work just as well.
Academic medical centers often have ADHD clinics with specialists who stay current on the latest treatment options, including alternatives to discontinued medications.
When you visit a provider about ADHD treatment, here's what typically happens:
The doctor will take a comprehensive history, including your symptoms, how long you've had them, and how they affect your daily life. For children, parents and teachers may be asked to complete rating scales.
This is where you can bring up your interest in Daytrana or transdermal delivery. Be upfront about why you're interested — perhaps your child has difficulty swallowing pills, or you prefer the flexibility of a patch. Your doctor can explain what Daytrana is and discuss whether an alternative like Quillivant XR (a liquid methylphenidate) might offer similar benefits.
Schedule II medications like Daytrana require a written or electronic prescription — no phone-in prescriptions are allowed in most states. Your doctor will typically start with the lowest effective dose and follow up within a few weeks to monitor response and side effects.
Once you have a prescription for an ADHD medication, you'll need to fill it at a pharmacy. If your doctor prescribes an alternative to Daytrana, filling it should be straightforward. If they somehow write for Daytrana specifically, be aware that:
For tips on managing costs once you have your prescription, check out our guide on how to save money on Daytrana and its alternatives.
It's important to understand the current landscape. Daytrana was discontinued by Noven Pharmaceuticals, and no generic version was ever approved. This means there is no methylphenidate transdermal patch currently on the market.
However, a good ADHD specialist can help you find an appropriate alternative. Options include extended-release oral methylphenidate products like Concerta and Ritalin LA, as well as liquid formulations like Quillivant XR for patients who can't swallow pills.
Finding the right doctor for ADHD treatment is crucial, even if Daytrana itself is no longer available. A knowledgeable provider — whether a psychiatrist, pediatrician, or primary care physician — can help you navigate the current medication landscape and find a treatment plan that works for you or your child.
Start your search today by checking your insurance directory, asking for a referral, or exploring telehealth options. And if you need help locating any ADHD medication, Medfinder can help you check pharmacy availability in real time.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
