There are I think three classes of meds now. I don't recall the specifics but they try you on the non-stimulant one first which for us didn't do anything.

My son takes Concerta which is an extended release drug that basically gives you the minimum viable amount over the course of about 8 hours. By late afternoon it's gone, but it gets him through school just fine. He eats a huge breakfast and dinner so his mostly ignored lunches aren't an issue. No problems with sleep and he's definitely not "high" while taking it. It just balances him out to where he should be.

It's concerning to me that children are being medicated with drugs that don't offer a cure in this way. Did you ever try getting him to meditate or some other non-pharmaceutical intervention and nutrition? You child though, it's up to you as a parent to do what you think is best.