Expert: Norm Bishop - 1/11/2011

Question
I get terrible pain in my eye muscles and neck muscles. There are also cysts in my right eye. My eye and neck muscles pull tight and it feels like a knife is cutting behind my eye. I have been on Ritalin for twenty years and I think this is causing the damage, Thanky you. this has been going on everyday for 6 months and its getting worse. What must I do? Thank you. My right eye also feels like its swelling up and pulling into my skull. I get a panic attach as i take the ritalin cause i am waiting for it to cause muscle pain or pull my eyes into my skull. I am going through hell and yet Ritalin is the only drug that seems to help me with my ADD. I did not know long term use causes muscle damage. I take them everyday. what is wrong. thank you. The Pain is unbearable

Answer
What you are describing could be a reaction to either medications, however, I am not a medical professional and know little about the side effects of the medications, or what they other causes of you symptoms might be.  After teaching at various levels for 38 years I know a lot about teaching students with these disorders, but haven't focused on the medications, other than to allow the medical professionals to handle that side of it.

I strongly suggest that you see the doctor who is prescribing the medications as soon as possible to find out if a possible connection exists.  Depending upon the medication, stopping the drug instantly may have problems associated with it, so again, before you stop taking the drugs, see a doctor!  (p.s.  if it will take awhile to see the doctor, then call his office and talk to the doctor or his nurse regarding your symptoms...that might get you some immediate relief).

Good luck...Norm