i have been on 20mg ER (generic) for only 9 days - no problematic side effects as of yet. for the past 2 days i have felt that i cannot get that nice deep breath. i have been working out - and it does not get any worse with exercise - and nothing really makes it better, it just comes and goes. I called my dr. and the nurse said she had never heard of this and basically blew off my call... this is the only change in my lifestyle is the addition of this medication for 9 days, but it just started.
any advice?

This seems to be a normal occurance with Ritalin. It doesn't matter if it's short release or long release - it's the same drug.

I had the same experience for the first week on Ritalin, but it eventually disappeared. I just put it down to anxiety.

However, if you experience any deep shortening of breath, numbness in your hands or arms - you could be experiencing a heart attack.

If the problem continues, then make an appointment with your Doc. If you are not happy with the answer, see another Doc.