I am so sorry for your frustration but I want you to know I understand where you are coming from.  I just got my son to start swallowing a pill (extended release) and today when I went to get a prescription found out it was not covered by insurance and would cost $160.  What do we do?  It works for him.  Do we give up other things to pay for it??? For your situation I know the doctors have told me it can take several weeks to know the full effect of meds.  Maybe you can talk to the teachers and ask for some understanding or even the principal.  One thing I have learn is you have to be a “tiger” mom.  Stand up and fight for your son.  Our kids don’t mean to break the rules often and if your son is like mine repetive things (writing sentences) just makes it worse.  I wish I knew someone to help you.  I am in Texas.  Look for a support group in your area, look at CHADD on line, ask your school… Maybe they have a name that can lead you somewhere.  Don’t give up. Take a deep breathe and fight.

My son at age 7 & 8 was quite a handful. 2nd & 3rd grade was a nightmare. I was determained not to give him medications until I knew for sure that there was no alternative, so I waited. I eventually caved when every pyschologist told me to give him med after only speaking to him for 5 minutes. I gave him 1 pill, Ritalin and then I cried as he tossed and turned all night. I never gave it to him again. Instead i researched all the terrible side effects (including violent mood swings) for all the meds and then alternative treatments. I know this is not the advice you were looking for but my son is so much better at age nine, with vitamins, supplements and a god sent teacher, which made all the difference. Good luck.

You are not alone in this struggle.  The list of things to try is long, but keep trying.  Does he have an IEP?  That would be the first step.  You mention a child psychologist which would be a good step.  Has he seen a child about the meds, if not he should. 
Find out who the provider is for Special Education services for your school district and ask them for medicare providers, they may know.  Your county mental health office may have a list as well. 
Meds can help, but you must do other interventions too, lots of sports and exercise really helps, regular set routines, lots of sleep etc.  My son takes a very low dose of one med, it has helped but doesn’t solve every issue.  Keep up the good work, take care of yourself, ask for help.  Praying for you.

So sorry to hear of your struggles.  I live in Northwest Indiana and have a 9 1/2 year old son who has ADHD.  We have been taking medication for over 2 years now.  We have our ups and our downs, adjustments and quiet times.  Not sure where you are in Northern indiana but would be willing to put our heads together to help you out.  My email is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you’d like to email me directly.  Thanks!

My son is in Kindergarten and he has a strict teacher who is actually wonderful. But I did go to the principal who set up and intervention to start behavior modification and support within the school. It has made a big difference in the classroom for him! I agree with being a “Tiger Mom”. Our principal is awesome and was quickly willing to work with me once I pushed for it.
Good luck!

Hang in there, the meds always seem to be a roller coaster ride.  My son has been on most of them.  What has worked for him his the regular Adderall, not timed released, 10 mg in the am, 10 at lunch and 10 after school.  For some reason the timed released didnt release for hours.  He also had somewhat violent reactions to some of the meds they tried on him.  You will probably have to keep tweeking until one clicks for him.  As for the school, someone asked if he has a 504 plan at school, if he is not, get him on one.  It puts everyone on the same page. The writing thing would put my son over the edge also and may not be appropriate for your son.