Liz, I have three positions: one as mother, one as teacher, one as student with ADD. From Kindergarten, my son was inattentive in class, preferring to read books during lessons rather than paying attention to the lesson. I was reluctant to put him on Concerta, but my pediatrician assured me that it was like coffee: once it wears off, it's out of his system. So I tried it. It was okay, but there were side effects. So we tried something else, then another, then another. Finally he is on Vyvanse, but he gets only 1/2 a pill per day, and there are no problems. (I could share with you how I do that. Just e-mail me... ____@____.com)
As a teacher of students with ADD, ADHD, and other learning disabilities, I do not believe that all students should be taking medication. However, there are some children in my 5th grade class who - I do mean literally - are bouncing off the walls. The parents of these students have no idea how hard it is to complete just one lesson when you are trying just to regain the attention of the class when their child is jumping out of his chair. They become offended when I ask whether their child is or is not on meds. I ask because teachers often see more of a student these days more than the parents do (sadly). If the student *is* on meds and is acting that way, the parents should know that the meds are not working correctly. I cannot, as a teacher, suggest meds for students. I can, however, help the parents understand that when the child is that distracted, neither he nor other students in the class are gaining any of the lessons. In turn, the student often becomes a discipline problem. Think how that affects the student's self esteem. Now the child not only thinks, "I'm stupid. I can't remember any of the information I just read," but now is thinking, "I'm in the school office *again* this week."
Lastly, I now know I had ADD when I was in school. My parents refused to admit that I had ADD. I was never offered any support, whether it be meds, strategies, or otherwise. I simply was going to outgrow it. Good news: at the age of 40, I have finally graduated from college! It took me only 22 years to do it, but I did it! All without meds. I asked my mother why she didn't seek help, and she said she wasn't about to drug me so that I could focus. She had no comment when I said I'm glad it was only ADD, not diabetes, or I'd have been dead before High School.
Ultimately, Liz, you must do what you feel is right. I know that if I knew there was something wrong with my ability to concentrate and that there was something available to remedy the problem, I would take it. Talk to your pediatrician or psychologist/psychiatrist. See what they think. Then talk to your child before you make your choice.