I was diagnosed with ADHD by my family doctor and he has been giving me Rx for generic ritalin, which seems to work well. I hate to sound like a drug-abuser but I like how it makes me feel, especially the first hour or two after taking it. Not only does it help my concentration, but it helps me be more relaxed and not so socially awkward. I've heard it can be used for social anxiety. Unfortunately, even though it has some lasting effects, I wish that first hour of feeling lasted longer. Is there an XR (extended release) that makes it last longer like that? I've taken Aderall XR before, and it seems to last longer.

Should I maybe see a psychiatrist to determine if i have social anxiety? Has anyone here had experience with social anxiety disorder? I've been pretty shy my whole life, I'm 24 and haven't had an intimate relationship with a girl, it make me think that I may have a psychological issue with being social.

Some people are shy and don't have social anxiety disorder, but if you feel that your "shyness" is interfering with your life, it certainly can't hurt to see a psychiatrist. If its not a major problem for you to do so, it might be better to have your ADD handled by a psychiatrist anyway, since its within their specialty.

I have generalized anxiety disorder, which is more intense in social situations, and am prescribed clonazepam and propranolol for it. I also take generic ritalin(methylphenidate), and actually find it makes me more anxious. Over the years, my social anxiety has gotten better, to the point that now, when I don't take the ritalin, I'm usually fine without the anxiety meds.

Personally, I have to take ritalin every two hours, and as far as I know thats about how long it lasts, give or take 30 minutes, so it may be that its just wearing off when it stops feeling good. There are extended release versions(metadate, concerta), and I've heard they even have a patch now, but I've personally never found the extended versions to be as effective.

Personally, I have to take ritalin every two hours, and as far as I know thats about how long it lasts,

my doc told me it lasts about 4 hours or so on average. so when that "good" feeling goes away does that mean i need to take more? is the "good" feeling suppose to last 4 hours? or is the good feeling the peak, but i still have to wait more time to take my next dose?

According to wikipedia, the half life is 2-4 hours, so I may just be at the shorter end. I don't get that much of a good feeling from it, although I vaguely remember that I did when I was first taking it, although I can definitely feel when it takes effect, and when it wears off. If you can still focus after two hours, I wouldn't think you'd need to take more.(but keep in mind I'm basing this only on personal experience).

stimulants in general could help someone with their shyness or social anxiety, but it's virtually impossible for a doctor to prescribe it for those reason (at least, from the extensive reading i've done i've never heard of a case). it could sound like you have anxiety, which i would definitely bring up with your doc as it's not a great way to live.
but, i'd warn you against saying something to the effect of "it helps a lot with my anxiety, can you give me more?". if he thinks you are always enjoying the high he might take it that you may end up abusing it. personally i would try to avoid saying how much better you think it makes your anxiety and bring that up completely seperately from the ritalin.