Stiff jaw on Ritalin

I'm taking 40mg Ritalin (yes I have a prescription/need for it) and I've noticed my jaw has been a little stiff since I started taking it. It's not enough for me to consider stopping taking it, just enough to be uncomfortable every now and then. Anyone else ever had this side effect?

You may want to give your Dr a call or your pharmacist and let them know.  I googled the jaw stiffness and in some cases it is a side effect of the med.  Apparently gum chewing has been known to help with the stiffness.  Go figure.

this is very common

eat bananas

Thanks to you both for the advice

Check with your doctor about this.    Stimulants speed up your heart, and can be potentially dangerous.  Jaw pain/stiffness is a classic sign of heart trouble, along with pain or numbness in your left arm, or severe chest pain.

Also, stimulants kill your appetite and can lead to electrolyte imbalance if you aren't eating properly for days/weeks at a time.

FYI:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2006/feb/11 /health.medicineandhealth

I'd say, from a completely unprofessional opinion, that the Ritalin is just causing you to do things like clench your jaw subconsciously, which can cause stiffness and tension.. but it's much better to be safe than sorry.

I take 20 mg. of ritalin 3 times aday and so far not had any of these side effects.  But my doctor ask me each visit if I am noticing this.  So I suggest you consult your doctor also.  You don't want this to be something that can last forever.  So just to make yourself feel better put a call into you doctor.

I haven't had any numbness or severe chest pain, which I am thankful for. I have had 6 heart attacks in the past (which my dr is aware of) so I'm fairly knowledgable of the warning signs.

I have had eating disorders in the past so I also know about electrolyte imbalances... I'm being pretty good at eating properly, but I'll be wary for the signs. I think you're probably right that I'm unconsciously clenching my jaw. Guess I will just have to be careful!

You might be grinding your jaw in your sleep, or during the day; you're on a stimulant med and this is a normal side effect. It should pass soon (you'll get adjusted to the dose.)

Ask you docor about it, and maybe get a night guard so you can't grind in your sleep? And yes, gum or lollypops may help durring the day :)