adhd 4yr old

I have a four year old son that has been diagnosed with ADHD. We tried him on Dexedrine which did not work and now we are trying Adderall (adderrall) (10 mg per day). I am still very uncomfortable about giving him medication for this condition although I can tell a great difference when he is on the medication. I am worried about long term effects and side effects. Are these serious? I just don't want to give him something now for hyperactivity that could cause worse problems in the future. Any advice?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

There is no evidence that the medications used to treat ADHD pose problems for children in the future. Methylphenidate and Dextroamphetamine, the stimulant medications that have been employed for the longest times, appear to be safe based on information from people who are now in their adult years and who were prescribed the medications during their childhoods. Now, four years old is very young, and we commonly suggest that medication be used with this population only in the more serious cases. But there is no doubt it can be a useful tool.