I can't tell you about adderral because my son does not take that medication but I can really relate to your reluctance. Medication was a huge step for me. It took me 4 years even to face the adhd label. Even now I struggle with my decision to put my son on it. Ultimately I am working to not have to have him on medication at all someday. I am sure you have read a hundred horror stories about the medication you are considering, I know I have about mine, never mind the millions of side affects that are always listed on the medication website. All I can say is that you are your child's best advocate and although it is stressful because as parents we don't want to screw this up, sometimes we have to take a leap. You can always stop giving medication if you feel it is not the right path for your child. Always remember to take the good with the bad. There is so much negative but, there is also a lot of good. My friends son was on adderal and it has been successful, although I do know that he has had to do some tweaking and changing. Good luck with your decision and your son!!

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Hi, our son was diagnosed in first grade but we didn't put him on medication until middle school and only did it after trying many alternative approaches. He has been on Concerta for almost 4 years now and it's really improved all of our lives. He's a freshman in high school and is doing very well and has no special accomodations for his adhd. The Concerta helps him to focus and have better impulse control. I think every med has at least some minor side effects (my son loses his appetite on the Concerta) but for him the benefits have greatly outweighed the negative side of taking it. I hope everything works out well for you and your son.

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Hello, I know how scary it is putting your child on medicine. I struggle with it as well. My daughter was diagnosed a couple years ago & after many problems in school, daily tantrums at home & a few accidents with us being afraid for her safety....we decided to give the medication a try. Adderall is what she has been taking now for the last couple years. She did lose weight and her apetite changed, but now she's keeping her weight on after being on it for this long. The medicine does not drug her to where she is zombie like. That was my biggest fear because she is so full of personality and super intelligent. All the meds have done is controlled her impulsiveness to where she thinks before acting out of control. She's a much happier child, does excellent in school & has many great friendships. We also talk about our feelings a lot at home and w/ a couselor at school to help her. Mornings are tough because the medicine has worn off and she's not a morning person. Medicine along with a lot of love at home and acceptance to things she can't always help...have improved our home life immensly. Good luck & don't let anyone ever let you feel bad about helping your child. We know what's best for our children.

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