meds, side effects and my adhd kid

I have had my son on various types of ADHD meds over the past few years.  He currently is off meds.
I am wondering if any one has experienced the same side effects my son has.
I agree that the meds DO work, but for us the side effect out weighed the benefits, and now my son is scared to take any med for this cause he thinks it wil make him feel bad.  We had some BIG and mean HUGE issues with him and taking a pill for years, ( he got scared cause he had to literally force it down him since he refused to to take it. He thought/knew it was gonna make him feel bad.) we tried the patch, and that made him itch,  I want him to be a 'better him' but im just frustrated with the whole thing.

1.  Major loss of appetite
2.  Major insomnia
3.. irritability
4.  headache
5.  nausea

I knew long before the doctors agreed with me that my son was adhd.  My parents and friends also told me things like " oh hes just a boy"  and " you need to get him on a better schedule" and "If you just limit his sugar hed be fine" OMG im so sick of hearing those things.
My son absolutley cannot sit still.. He is constantly making some kind of noises, is very easily distracted, cant keep his hands to himself etc.. you know all the classic signs of it.
If anyone has experienced these side effects or problems with meds, id love to hear some advise.  Thanks for listening


RaeAnn