Hi Shannon,

ADHD medications, specifically the stimulants, have been studied and used for many years. There has been a consensus for a long time that when used as directed, stimulants have been found to be very safe. However, we also know that there can be risks in taking any medication, even aspirin and antibiotics.

The stimulants, such as Ritalin, Adderall and others, sometimes do cause side effects which are often temporary. These include appetite loss and insomnia.

Besides stimulants, other medications are sometimes used for treating ADHD. These include Strattera; some high blood pressure medications such as Catapres and Tenex; and even some antidepressants.  

There really is no way to know which of the medications would be best for your child. This is a decision that needs to be made with your doctor. The main thing is to watch for possible side effects and report them to your child's doctor immediately.

There's an excellent article here written by Eileen Bailey, titled Is Medication Right For Your Child, which may help answer your concerns.

But all in all, it's best to discuss them with your child's doctor as well.

Hope this helps!

Terry