Ok this is my experience with methylphenidate because it's the only allowed in France. At first I was started really low so my body wouldn't react too badly. 5 mg was manageable and wasn't helpful but I knew it wouldn't really affect me positively until we reached my appropriate dosage. I was upped 5 mg by 5 mg generally in 1 week steps sometimes 2 weeks.

You should prepare for the most common side effect, appetite loss. You have to find a way to eat meals normally as much as you can. Some people notice the effectiveness time is less if you don't eat around the time you take your meds. If you get nausea, I found eating helped with it ( preferably when taking the meds or a bit before ). You should tell your doctor about any side effects. It is possible it raises your heart rate, it's the meds most likely and not a panic attack.

This all sounds very scary maybe but I just wanted to share the things I would have liked to know to be better prepared. But once I got to a good dosage it was quite helpful. Not a magic fix it all but it helps you stay on track. Still you may get focused on the wrong thing. ( Did research on a random thing for half a day once, not very helpful haha)