Qelbree for ADHD: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

What is Qelbree?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects many children and adults living in the United States today. Treatment options are readily available for people who are experiencing ADHD symptoms. You can learn more about ADHD and the treatment options in the NIMH ADHD treatments.

Qelbree ADHD medication is a non-stimulant used to treat symptoms of ADHD. Qelbree is the brand name for viloxazine ER, a non-stimulant medication used with individuals with ADHD.

It is FDA-approved to treat ADHD for children and adults ages 6-65. Qelbree is sold as an extended-release pill, allowing the medication to slowly work in the system and provide symptom relief.

Viloxazine ER ADHD is a non-stimulant and not a controlled substance, making it an effective alternative to stimulants. At ADHD Advisor, our healthcare professionals only see adults aged 18 years or older.

How Qelbree Works

Qelbree ADHD medication is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). The active ingredient, viloxazine, helps to stop the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. This means it increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which is associated with reducing ADHD symptoms.

It also increases dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, another neurotransmitter associated with ADHD symptoms. 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 than stimulants or even from other non-stimulants such as guanfacine and atomoxetine. It may have less potential for abuse than other ADHD treatments, especially stimulants.

Who Can Take Qelbree?

Qelbree is FDA-approved as a non-stimulant to treat ADHD in adults and children ages 6 to 65. 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 ADHD medication 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.

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. At ADHD Advisor, we do not treat children or adolescents.

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.

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:(MedlinePlus: viloxazine)

• 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.

ADHD Care with ADHD Advisor: Nationwide Non-Stimulant Access

With proper treatment, ADHD can be successfully managed. Therapy, non-stimulant, and stimulant medications can help to reduce symptoms of ADHD, according to the CDC ADHD treatment guidance.

One of the non-stimulant options for ADHD is Qelbree. ADHD Advisor's clinicians can treat adults aged 18 and older with a Qelbree online prescription nationwide.

We can also provide stimulant options, but only for select states and when appropriate. So, for example, your online ADHD doctor in Florida may be able to prescribe you a stimulant if they think it's best. Similarly, online Adderall in Texas may be an option if your provider would deem it a necessary part of your treatment.

You can receive your ADHD medication online when you choose 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.

Step-by-Step 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.

Access, Cost & Insurance

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 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?

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