What you have described are the start up side effects of Wellbutrin™ (bupropion). They usually subside within 2 to 3 weeks. The tiredness usually disappear in 5 to 8 weeks.

I just want to let you know of a side effect that may occur at 6 to 8 weeks. It may cause you to become very irritable. This side effect last about two weeks, but it can become distressing for those around you.

When I was taking Wellbutrin™ this happened to me, and to several other people that I know. It is a fairly common side effect, but it does go away. I would cut people off in traffic just so that I could yell at them, and would yell at my wife for no reason.

I have found that if this side effect occurs and you realize that it is the medication that is causing it, you can remove yourself from the situation by going into a room by yourself until you calm yourself down. Just punch a pillow and talk yourself down by realizing that it is a side effect and it will go away in one to two weeks.

I say to keep on the medication because it is my experience as a psychopharmacologist that getting the irritability is a good indication that the medication will work for over the long term.

This may not happen to you, as I see it in varying degrees in people, and approximately 40% will get the irritability in some form. If you do know about the side effect it is much easier to manage and it does seem to abate in almost all people. I do not want to scare you with this, but it good to know that there is a possibility it may occur.

I hope that this is of some help. Feel free to ask any questions, as I will be checking in on this site every day or two.

Good luck - Cam