does taking ritalin intensify arthritis pain?

[leana]

hi,i have severe arthritis pain,and herniated disks in my lower back.i recently started taking ritalin awile back for adhd problems and depression.i would like to know if there is any connection between taking central nervous system stimulants,such as ritalin, and having increased pain? i have been in horrible pain for the last couple of weeks, and if there is any connection,i will change meds. please, if any knows any thing about this, please respond!

[mpvt]

Ritalin itself won't cause increased pain but I bet I can tell you why.The ritalin has probably made you more active then you have been used to.Arthritis as you know is inflammation of the joints so the more youy're moving the more the joints get aggravated and you have increased pain.Do you take any anti-inflammatory drugs for your arthritis???If you do you should ask your doctor about increasing your dose.....Dave

[mike_lee]

I have rietier's syndrome with arthritis and I take Ritalin. I have had very severe pain this winter but I believe that has to do with the weather not the Ritalin. today is the worst day in a very long time, so if you are feeling it extra bad today that will be some confirmation.