My DD was on ADD meds in school and the Dr. had a blood test done every few months, and she was required to meet with a therapist once a month to be sure there were no side effects from the meds mental wise. After testing it was determined she only needed Adderall that lasts for 8 hours, isn't addictive and she only took it during school days. I would have been giving her a stronger pill everyday if I listen to the Ped.
I would not let a GP Dr. or Ped. prescribe ADD meds. A specialist in ADD is the only one that can test your child to know exactly which form of this disorder she has. Most Dr. prescribe the drug that seems to be the best for most kids and go from there. If your Dr. isn't a specialist, please see one for a second opinion. There are certain test to have to be done before it's certain what you child needs. The pill may subdue your child and it seems it is working until much later when problems from wrong meds or a wrong diagnosis is discovered.
DD is off the meds and doing fine now. We had to change her diet, no processed foods at all and practicality no white foods like rice, potatoes, pasta, white four,boxed cereals. It's an adjustment and commintment for the whole family.