Metadate is a sustained release form of Ritalin
metadate may be preferred to ritalin because this longer and smoother acting
There is nothing new about metadate CD. It is just a reformulation of ritalin for sustained delivery. Most information that applies to Ritalin and concerta also applies here. Metadate is similar to adderall, and concerta. Both may be preferred to Ritalin because of their longer, more even action.
Because Metadate releases over several hours it delivers a smoother dose throughout the day. Sustained delivery can be important for kids with after-school activities and homework. Once-a-day medication for ADHD can help to eliminate the feelings of embarrassment that children may feel when taking medication during of the school day or after-school activities.
It seems to be superior to Ritalin Sustained Release because Ritalin loses its effectiveness after 6 hours.
Like Ritalin the most common side effects reported were h eadache, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and insomnia. Other side effects are reduced stature, ticks, "zombie" demeanor, stomach aches, moodiness and death.
There are some disadvantages to Metadate:
You can't cut the pill (or chew it) because that will destroy the release mechanism.
You can't control the dosing to account for mealtimes; patients are not likely to feel hungry until the entire dose wears off.
It comes in 10 and 20 mg tablets.
