About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

The positive effects of starting Adderall XR were what was so dramatic though. He was still alert and had plenty of energy when he was playing, but he did so much better at times when he needed to calm down and focus.

That first afternoon, he sat and played a computer game for hours, but it wasn't a shoot-em-up or action type game. Instead, he was doing math and reading problems with an educational computer game, something he typically loses interest in after 5-10 minutes.

The next 'test' was when we went out to a restaurant that first evening, and he again did great. Whereas he is usually quick to try and jump out of his seat when we go out to eat, this time he sat, talked and eat his meal, even though other kids at the table were acting up.

The next day, I took him to a bookstore, something I used to enjoy doing very much, but had stopped because he would never do well in the store. This time, while I read a few magazines and books, he quietly would get books and comic books and read along with me.

The big test was his first day back at school after starting the medicine. In class, his kindergarten teacher stamps each student's notebook every day that they do well, and after seven days in a row of getting stamps, they can pick a prize. The first few days of school, our son was the only child who didn't get stamps, which disappointed him very much. On the medication, he was graded as being 'excellent' each day and he hasn't missed a day of getting a stamp.

We noticed other effects at home. He no longer runs around the house, instead taking the time to walk where he needs to go. He also has begun saying 'please' and 'thank you', something he never could remember to do before. And he no longer likes to watch television much, while we used to have to almost drag him from the TV. I guess he has found other things besides TV and video games to hold his attention now.

How ADHD Medicines Work

There are a lot of theories about how stimulants and other ADHD medicines work, and I am not sure if anyone knows the exact science behind them.

I don't like to think that ADHD medicines make your child better. They don't give your child better grades or make them behave better, instead, I think that they improve the symptoms that get in the way of your child living up to his or her full potential. So your child with ADHD will be less impulsive, less hyperactive and less easily distracted.

It shouldn't really change your child's personality or make him a zombie though. If you notice those effects, then you should talk to your doctor about changing your child's dosage or medication.

Final Thoughts

You don't always get the right dosage or right medication when you first start treating a child with ADHD, so don't be discouraged if you don't see as dramatic an effect as we did when you first start your child on an ADHD medication. It sometimes takes time to adjust the dose or find the right medication.

Also don't give up on a medicine because you are seeing side effects, even if they seem dramatic, such as mood swings or crying. Instead, talk to your doctor to see if they are something that will go away with some time or if a medication adjustment is needed.

Although starting our son on medicine for ADHD was a difficult decision, we quickly knew it was the right one as we see how well he is doing. I would still prefer that he not have to taken any medications, but I am very comfortable with the choices we have made.

Dr. John Sardo is a Pediatrician and our guest writer, but the name is a pseudonym as he wishes to respect his son's right to privacy.