Switching ADHD meds for my son, concerns about the side effects

[Tygerndc]

My son is 9 yrs. old, 75 lbs, he has been diagnosed with ADHD when he was 6. The first 2 1/2 yrs I did not put him on medicine, instead tried neuro-feedback theraphy 2 wk. 30 min at a time. This did help, but this past year his behavior has been out of control and getting worse in school. Last month (Oct. 2007) I expressed my concerns with his pediatrician, they started him on Concerta 18 mg. I noticed an improvement the next day, he was focused, less aggitated/jumpy. Then the side effects kicked in too, he had insomia, first 3 days he was up till 12 midnight, (his normal bedtime is 9pm, he was just laying in his bed unable to go to sleep). Then the following week his stomach was bothering him when he came home from school, and after 2 days of stomach cramping/hurting, he started getting headaches that were very intense and he couldnt' get out of his bed on morning. After that I decided to take him off Concertta, after taking it 3 wks. I spoke with his doctor, and now wants him to take Adderall 10 mg. I've been on line reading up on this medication, I'm very concerned that the side effects are the same, and it's an addictive drug. (My son's father has been an abuser of alcohol and cocaine, for 18 yrs. starting at the age of 15, so very concerned for my son's health and want to prevent any additions possilbe). Any help would be great. Thank you.  

[DeeDeeP]

Have you tried dietary changes like eliminating artificial preservatives and colors?  The feingold diet www.feingold.org has helped my son's adhd tremendously.  He is much calmer when he's following the diet, but I can tell right away if he's had something he's not allowed.  Much more hyper.  I've resisted putting my son on meds, and also tried neurofeedback (didn't help him - the practicioner kept scratching her head as to why it wasn't working but felt more sessions and $$ would do it)  I felt that after 3 months w/ no results was not worth putting more $ down a black hole.  With feingold, I feel he doesn't need meds, just better food.  We also supplement w/ Omega3 fish oil.

Here's a good book you can get at the library "Why Can't my Child Behave" by Jane Hersey