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 viloxazine. 

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 viloxazine 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 Viloxazine?

Viloxazine (brand name Qelbree) is a non-stimulant medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People often describe it as taking a bit of the “edge” off, making it easier to focus (without feeling wired or jittery, like can happen with stimulants).

It’s FDA-approved for kids (6+) and adults, though here at ADHD Advisor, we only prescribe it for adults 18 and up. It comes in capsule form in different strengths, which your provider can adjust to fit your needs.

It’s becoming more popular for people where stimulants don’t work so well (like when they leave you feeling anxious, crash-y, or just not yourself). Since it’s gentler, it’s not a controlled substance, which means fewer restrictions and less worry about dependency.

How Viloxazine Works

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.

That’s why viloxazine is called a serotonin-norepinephrine modulating agent (SNMA). It helps balance these neurochemicals, and more slowly than stimulants. It can build up over days and weeks to really notice a difference. This works especially well for people who don’t want the strong “jolt” you can get with a stimulant.

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.”
  

How Psychotherapy Supports Viloxazine

Therapy complements viloxazine by teaching skill-based tools to make an even bigger difference to your day. That includes things like learning how to break down tasks effectively, apply timers, and manage the emotional overwhelm (or “ugh” factor) of doing tasks you don’t feel like doing. You can really take advantage of the added calm and develop focus sessions, set realistic goals, and build self-monitoring habits. 

In the end, viloxazine won’t completely erase every struggle, like procrastination and overthinking. But with practical tools and support (like with coaching, therapy, and support groups), it might help make things feel less like an uphill battle.

If you’re curious about getting tested for ADHD or a formal ADHD diagnosis to start your treatment plan (including therapy), you can do so online with ADHD Advisor. 

Who Can Take Viloxazine

In 2021, the FDA approved 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. 

Who Should Avoid Viloxazine

While it’s generally considered safe for healthy children and adults, some groups of people should avoid it or take serious precautions. This includes people with liver issues (or to be used with caution), allergic reactions, or children and young adults under 25 at risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The FDA black box warning states that the drug can cause or worsen suicidal ideation in this group. 

Dosages and Administration

Viloxazine states the dosage and administration recommendations as: 

• Children 6–11: Starting dose of 100 mg/day. Commonly 100-200mg/day, with a maximum of 400 mg/day. ‍
• Adolescents 12–17: Starting dose of 200mg/day. Commonly 200-400 mg/day, with a maximum of 400 mg/day. ‍
• Adults 18+: Starting dose of 200mg/day. Commonly 200-400 mg/day, up to 600 mg/day depending on response. 

Neither children nor adolescents are eligible for a prescription through ADHD Advisor. 

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. 

Keep in mind that only a clinician can determine appropriate dosing — do not change your dosing schedule unless directed and monitored by your doctor. 

Side Effects and Risks

One of the biggest worries around anyone starting ADHD medication is the fear that, besides side effects, it might become addictive. That’s why viloxazine is becoming more and more popular; it’s a non-stimulant without the same habit-forming risk severity as stimulants.

However, that’s not to say it doesn’t come with the potential for serious side effects. Here are some side effects to be aware of before starting treatment: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Sleepiness
• Headaches
• Changes in appetite
• Blood pressure and heart rate increase
• Mania or hypomania (a mild form of mania)
• Suicidal thoughts in children and teens

While rare, liver enzyme elevations are also possible, making it important to monitor hepatic function. There is also the black box warning on the label with evidence of suicidal thoughts in children, teens, and young adults on viloxazine — something to keep a serious watch on.

If you notice any side effects, report them to the FDA MedWatch.