My son is also 5 years old and starting taking Adderall XR around two months ago. The change at school has been tremendous. We also noticed a change at home with making friends and being able to concentrate and now playing some sports, as he's now able to follow directions.
I understand your concern regarding the side effects. I too was scared. Every child is different and some do not experience any side effects. But the side effects we experienced were not being able to sleep until two hours after his bedtime, crying at the drop of a hat and not eating. They lasted for about two weeks and then decreased. He now sleeps only a half hour past his original bedtime and doesn't have any crying episodes. The only thing is the eating. We tried all kinds of things to get him to eat, but nothing worked. So what I've decided to do is have him sit for every meal and if he can't finish it all that's okay. I see that he will eat little portions throughout the day and a big snack in the evening (as that's when the medication wears off). I kept wondering if I was doing the right thing, but to see how is doing so well at school and home, it has been worth it.
I'm praying for you and your son and hope everything goes well. Take care.
What are some of the side effects of Adderall XR? I'm new to the Board (and to ADHD). My son will start taking Adderall next week and he's only 5yrs old. I'm concerned about what this will do to him. Please help!