Qelbree (Viloxazine) for ADHD: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

If you’ve gotten medication for ADHD before, you may have tried a stimulant. At first, it might’ve felt like a switch turned on and quieted your never-ending thoughts. You could run through all your tasks for the day, and procrastination felt like a thing of the past. 

But maybe over time, you noticed your heart racing, or a jittery feeling like you drank too much coffee, and crashing in the afternoons became the norm. Now, you’re curious what it might be like to try a non-stimulant like Qelbree. 

It works differently since it’s a non-stimulant, potentially offering a calmer, more sustainable kind of focus. But how exactly does it work, and what can you expect when you take it? 

Read on to learn exactly what Qelbree does to your body, potential side effects, and how it impacts ADHD symptoms. And if you’re an adult looking to access it, find out how to get it through ADHD Advisor online.

What is Qelbree (Viloxazine)?

Qelbree (generic viloxazine) is a non-stimulant medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is FDA-approved to treat ADHD for children and adults ages 6-65, though here at ADHD Advisor, we only prescribe it for adults 18 and up. Qelbree is sold as an extended-release pill, allowing the medication to slowly work in the system and provide symptom relief. It comes in capsule form in different strengths, which your provider can adjust to fit your needs.

How Qelbree Works

Qelbree is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). The active ingredient, viloxazine, works with two brain chemicals that help control attention, mood, and how your brain filters distractions — serotonin and norepinephrine.

• Serotonin influences your mood, motivation, and emotional regulation. When it’s balanced, you’re less likely to feel irritable or overreact to frustration and overwhelm — making it help to start and stick with tasks you don’t enjoy. ‍
• Norepinephrine helps you pay attention and feel alert. When you’ve got enough, you can focus for longer, notice what needs to be done, and not get so easily derailed by distractions.

Qelbree appears to inhibit the norepinephrine transporter, which is how it increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This unique mechanism of action sets it apart from other non-stimulant drugs.

Qelbree helps to reduce hyperactivity, improve focus, and regulate impulsivity in people with ADHD. Its mechanism of action is much different fromthan stimulants or even from other non-stimulants such as guanfacine (Intuniv) and atomoxetine (Strattera). It may have less potential for abuse than other ADHD treatments, especially stimulants.

So what does that look like in everyday life?

• Instead of sitting down to work and immediately feeling pulled to check email, scroll, or wander into the kitchen for something to snack on, you might find it easier to start the task in front of you. That’s because viloxazine can help lower general distractibility and make it easier to focus. 
• That constant background “buzz” of hyperactivity or restlessness may feel dialed down, so it’s easier to stay in the flow once you’ve started.
• When your partner does that thing that feels like nails on a chalkboard (like scrapes their bowl loudly and incessantly to get all their food) you notice you don’t react as much. In general, you might get less frustrated or overwhelmed by things that used to feel like “too much.”

Who Can Take Qelbree?

In 2021, the FDA approved Qelbree (viloxazine) for children 6-17 years of age with ADHD, as well as adults. It’s a gentler option for people who can’t tolerate stimulants well because of side effects (sleep and appetite issues, headaches, stomachaches, increased anxiety, etc.). It’s also considered a better choice for people at risk of substance misuse. Only a licensed clinician can determine if Qelbree ADHD medication is right for you.

At ADHD Advisor, we only treat adults aged 18 and older. If you or your child is taking an MAO inhibitor or has recently stopped one, do not take Qelbree, as this combination can lead to a serious interaction known as a hypertensive crisis.

Contraindications

You should not take Qelbree if you:

• Have a psychiatric disorder such as mania or bipolar disorder
• Are allergic to Qelbree or any of the ingredients
• Have heart problems
• Have severe renal impairment
• Have hypersensitivity
• Drink alcohol heavily
• Have liver impairment
• Have any suicidal ideation

Qelbree comes with a boxed warning. Just like some other similar drugs in the antidepressant class, the FDA states that people who take Qelbree are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in children and young adults. It is important to tell your doctor if you or your child experiences any of these thoughts or behaviors or a drastic change in mood.

Dosages and Administration

Qelbree or Viloxazine ER is offered in 100, 150, and 200 milligram formulations. Qelbree dosage varies. Children and adolescents are typically started on 100 milligrams per day and can increase to around 400 milligrams per day.

Adult Qelbree doses start at 200 milligrams per day and can eventually go up to 400-600 milligrams per day. Remember, only a clinician can determine safe dosing for each individual — do not change your dosing schedule unless directed and monitored by your doctor. 

Capsules are taken once daily, with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless it’s close to the time of your regular dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. 

Capsules can be opened up and the powder sprinkled onto applesauce or pudding and consumed within two hours. Medicine shouldn't be crushed as it will disrupt the extended-release mechanism.

Side Effects and Risks

All medications can have side effects. Let's take a closer look at some common Qelbree side effects.

Common Side Effects

Some of the common side effects from taking Qelbree include:

• Sleepiness
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

Serious Side Effects

There are some more serious side effects that can occur from taking Qelbree that you should know. These include:

• Increases in heart rate and blood pressure
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Fainting
• Racing heart
• Severe allergic reaction
• Panic attacks or worsening anxiety

Unlike stimulants, Qelbree is not a controlled substance, according to the DEA controlled substances schedules. So you can rest assured that abuse is not going to be a concern with this medication.

Black Box Warning

The FDA has a black box warning for Qelbree. In studies, higher rates of suicidal behavior and thoughts of suicide were reported in children and adolescents. It's important to speak to your healthcare professional if you notice any of these symptoms in your child.

These are not all of the side effects that are possible when taking Qelbree.To learn more about any potential risks and side effects you can check out DailyMed: Qelbree.

It’s important to let your healthcare professional know if you experience any unwanted side effects. If you are experiencing adverse side effects, it’s  a good idea to report them to the FDA MedWatch.

Qelbree vs. Other ADHD Medications

Let's examine how Qelbree differs from other ADHD medications.

Qelbree vs Stimulants

Qelbree and stimulant drugs such as Adderall differ in many ways. The most significant difference is that Qelbree is a non-stimulant ADHD medication. Qelbree's effects build up over longer periods of time, and there is no abuse risk with Qelbree, unlike stimulants. Since these two drugs work vastly differently in the body, they have drastically different side effects as well. They treat some of the same ADHD symptoms, but their mechanisms of action differ.

Qelbree vs Atomoxetine (Strattera)

When considering Qelbree vs Strattera, it’s important to note that they are both SNRIs and non-stimulant ADHD medications. Qelbree is an extended-release medication, and Strattera is an immediate-release medication taken once or twice a day. The active ingredients are different, as well as the side effects profile. Sometimes Qelbree is better tolerated than Straterra. Both medications carry the FDA black box warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Qelbree vs Guanfacine/Clonidine

Qelbree is an SNRI, and guanfacine and clonidine are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They have a different mechanism of action. Guanfacine and Qelbree offer an extended-release form for all-day symptom relief. Both types of medications are non-stimulant ADHD medications, but Qelbree may have less of a sedative effect than guanfacine or clonidine.

How To Get A Qelbree Prescription Online

ADHD Advisor clinicians can prescribe Qelbree (viloxazine) online to adults 18+ nationwide when they deem it as the best treatment option. 

Overall, HHS telehealth prescribing rules are strict for stimulants (since they can be addictive with serious side effects) and dependant on various factors. However, since non-stimulants carry a smaller addiction risk, they’re more accessible online.

You can receive your ADHD medication online when you choose treatment with ADHD Advisor. We can also help with prescription fulfillment each month by working with your chosen pharmacy.

However, ADHD Advisor does not bill insurance. We will provide you with a superbill that you can submit for reimbursement. Now, let's look at how to get diagnosed with ADHD online with ADHD Advisor.

ADHD Advisor Process

Ready to learn how to get tested for ADHD online with ADHD Advisor? Let's look at our simple step-by-step process to find out how.

1. The first step in the process is to take our online intake form and give us your medical history.
2. Next, you will schedule your telehealth diagnosis evaluation with one of the licensed clinicians. During this evaluation, they will discuss your intake and gather more information bout your symptoms
3. Then you will receive your clinician-determined treatment plan. Your plan may include therapy, non-stimulant medications, or stimulants if you live in certain states, and it is necessary.
4. Qelbree is available nationwide for adults ages 18 and older through ADHD Advisor.
5. Lastly, we will continue to monitor your symptom relief and side effects through follow-up appointments. During follow-up appointments, your dosage can be adjusted if needed.

How Much Does Qelbree Cost?

Qelbree is currently only available as a brand-name product in the United States, as it is a relatively new medication, and generics are not yet approved for use here. Currently, Qelbree starts around $450 without insurance.

Insurance companies do vary in what they will pay for this medication and what you must pay out of pocket. It is slightly pricier than other non-stimulant options because there is currently no generic alternative available.

It's important to mention that ADHD Advisor does not bill insurance. However, we do offer a superbill that you may be able to submit for reimbursement to your insurance company.

2025 FDA Label Update

In June of 2025, the FDA released an  FDA Safety Communication on ADHD stimulants requiring an update to the label for stimulant drugs. The label now discusses the potential for these medications to cause weight loss and suppress growth in children under 6 years of age.

Studies have shown that children under six had much larger amounts of the drugs in their system, resulting in a higher risk of side effects, including growth suppression.

At ADHD Advisor, we provide services exclusively for adults aged 18 and older. But we believe it's important to mention this update for families.

FAQs

Is Viloxazine the same as Qelbree? 

Yes. Viloxazine is the generic drug; Qelbree is a brand-name formulation.

Is Qelbree FDA-approved for ADHD?

Yes, Qelbree is FDA-approved for ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults ages 6 to 65. The FDA first approved Qelbree for ADHD use in 2021, and it is a newer non-stimulant drug choice.

Can the ADHD Advisor prescribe Qelbree?

Yes, ADHD Advisor can prescribe non-stimulant medications for ADHD treatment for adults 18 and up nationwide. If one of our healthcare providers determines your need for Qelbree, then you can receive a Qelbree prescription online.

Is Qelbree addictive?

No, Qelbree is not a controlled substance, and it is not considered addictive. Qelbree has a low potential for abuse. It's important to mention that any medication that you stop suddenly may cause unwanted symptoms known as discontinuation syndrome. A doctor can assist you in tapering off a drug to help reduce these unwanted effects if you plan to stop taking Qelbree.

How does Qelbree compare to Strattera?

Both Quelbree and Statttera are non-stimulant medications for ADHD. However, they have different mechanisms of action and side effect profiles. Qelbree works faster than Strattera. Both have an FDA boxed warning regarding increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

What are common side effects associated with Qelbree?

Some of the more common side effects of taking Qelbree include sleepiness, decreased appetite, irritability, nausea, and dry mouth.