I just got off the phone with my mom and she wanted me to ask this question for her.

She was diagnosed with ADD about two years ago and started on Adderall. Earlier this year, she and her doctor decided it wasn't working as well for her so she tried Strattera which didn't seem to do any good. The next month, she switched to Concerta and it has been moderately successful but she still has some struggles with concentration and staying on task.

About a week ago, the doctor switched her to Ritalin XR (not entirely sure why). Aren't Concerta and Ritalin XR basically the same thing?

Anyway, she's been having horrible muscle aches especially in her legs. Not cramps, just aches. We're wondering if it might be the medication. Another possible explanation is that she was fairly lethargic prior to taking it and now she's the Energizer Bunny. Maybe the sudden increase in physical activity is the cause.

Input would be appreciated!

Your Mom should really get on the net so we can find out specifics.
If she feels like she has been beaten with a bat and it takes a week to heal when off the drugs, tell her to call her Doc and switch to Desoxyn or DEX.

She could be taking too much or she could be more active like you said. The severity of the aches should point you in the right direction. I think Ritalin is a harsh drug, but it is great for the mind when not over used.

If her doctor thinks Ritalin is right for her after this initial adjustment phase; have her talk to the doc about mixing Adderal/DEX/Desoxyn with a small amount of Ritalin. When both drugs are used in small amounts the side affects are nill and the mind affects are wonderful.

Tom

The next month, she switched to Concerta and it has been moderately successful but she still has some struggles with concentration and staying on task.That's pretty normal, the meds don't completely rid us of all the symptoms.

About a week ago, the doctor switched her to Ritalin XR (not entirely sure why). Aren't Concerta and Ritalin XR basically the same thing?NO! While both meds contain methylphenidate HCL (Ritalin) the release mechanism it completely different!

Anyway, she's been having horrible muscle aches especially in her legs. Not cramps, just aches. We're wondering if it might be the medication. Another possible explanation is that she was fairly lethargic prior to taking it and now she's the Energizer Bunny. Maybe the sudden increase in physical activity is the cause.
Could be that? But it could also be tension caused by the difference in Instant Release Ritalin in the bloodstream. I have tried both and for me, they work completely different. Concerta gives me no side effects and the other makes me tense and irritable.

Please have her report this to her psychiatrist. HTH and take care.

Crazy