When You Can't Get Qelbree, What Are Your Options?

If you've been prescribed Qelbree (Viloxazine) for ADHD but can't find it at your pharmacy — or the cost is too high — you're probably wondering what else is out there. The good news is that there are several other non-stimulant ADHD medications that your doctor can consider.

This post covers the main alternatives to Qelbree, how they work, and what makes each one different. Important: Never switch or stop medications on your own. Always talk to your prescriber before making any changes to your treatment.

What Is Qelbree and How Does It Work?

Qelbree is a non-stimulant ADHD medication approved by the FDA for adults and children ages 6 and older. Its active ingredient, Viloxazine, is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain, which helps with focus, attention, and impulse control.

What makes Qelbree unique is that it's not a controlled substance, so it doesn't carry the same abuse potential or regulatory restrictions as stimulant medications like Adderall or Vyvanse. It was approved in 2021 and is currently only available as a brand-name medication — no generic exists yet.

For more details, see our post on what is Qelbree and how Qelbree works.

Why You Might Need an Alternative

There are several common reasons patients look for Qelbree alternatives:

• Availability: Qelbree can be hard to find at pharmacies because it's a newer brand-name drug that many don't routinely stock.
• Cost: Without insurance, Qelbree costs between $362 and $525 per month. Even with insurance, copays can be high.
• Side effects: Some patients experience side effects like insomnia, nausea, or decreased appetite that make Qelbree a poor fit. Learn more about Qelbree side effects.
• Insurance requirements: Some plans require trying other medications first before covering Qelbree (step therapy).

Non-Stimulant Alternatives to Qelbree

1. Strattera (Atomoxetine)

Strattera is the most well-known non-stimulant ADHD medication and the closest alternative to Qelbree. Like Qelbree, it works on norepinephrine — it's a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

Key facts:

• FDA-approved for ADHD in children 6+ and adults
• Available as a generic (Atomoxetine), making it much more affordable
• Generic costs approximately $30-$60 per month
• Taken once or twice daily
• Not a controlled substance
• Common side effects include decreased appetite, nausea, stomach pain, and mood changes
• Also carries a boxed warning about suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents

Strattera has been on the market since 2002, so there's a long track record of use. If your insurance requires step therapy before covering Qelbree, Atomoxetine is often the first non-stimulant they'll want you to try.

2. Intuniv (Guanfacine ER)

Intuniv takes a different approach. Instead of targeting norepinephrine reuptake, it's an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It works by activating receptors in the prefrontal cortex that help regulate attention and impulse control.

Key facts:

• FDA-approved for ADHD in children ages 6-17
• Often used off-label in adults
• Available as a generic (Guanfacine ER)
• Generic costs approximately $20-$50 per month
• Taken once daily
• Not a controlled substance
• Common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and dizziness
• Can cause significant sedation, especially when starting

Intuniv is sometimes prescribed alongside stimulant medications to help with hyperactivity and impulsivity. It's a solid option for patients who need a non-stimulant approach, especially children.

3. Kapvay (Clonidine ER)

Kapvay is similar to Intuniv — it's also an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. Clonidine has been used for decades for blood pressure management, and the extended-release formulation was approved for ADHD.

Key facts:

• FDA-approved for ADHD in children ages 6-17
• Available as a generic (Clonidine ER)
• Generic costs approximately $15-$40 per month
• Taken once or twice daily
• Not a controlled substance
• Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, and constipation
• Must be tapered gradually — don't stop suddenly

Kapvay tends to cause more sedation than Intuniv and is sometimes specifically chosen for patients who also have trouble sleeping.

4. Wellbutrin (Bupropion) — Off-Label

Wellbutrin is technically an antidepressant, but it's widely used off-label for ADHD, especially in adults. It's a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), which means it works on two of the key neurotransmitters involved in ADHD.

Key facts:

• Not FDA-approved for ADHD (off-label use)
• FDA-approved for depression and smoking cessation
• Available as a generic (Bupropion)
• Generic costs approximately $10-$30 per month
• Not a controlled substance
• Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, headache, and nausea
• Should not be used in patients with seizure disorders or eating disorders

Bupropion can be a good option for adults with ADHD who also have depression, since it treats both conditions. However, because it's not FDA-approved for ADHD, insurance may handle it differently.

How Do These Alternatives Compare?

Here's a quick summary to help you talk to your doctor:

• Most similar to Qelbree: Strattera (Atomoxetine) — same drug class, similar mechanism
• Most affordable: Bupropion (generic Wellbutrin) — as low as $10/month
• Best for children: Intuniv or Kapvay — specifically approved for pediatric ADHD
• Best if cost is the main issue: Any of the generics above will be significantly cheaper than brand-name Qelbree

Before Switching: Try to Find Qelbree First

If Qelbree is working well for you and the issue is just finding it, don't give up too quickly. Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have it in stock. You can also read our tips on how to find Qelbree in stock near you.

If cost is the barrier, check out our guide on how to save money on Qelbree — there are manufacturer savings cards and patient assistance programs that can bring the price down significantly.

Final Thoughts

Having alternatives is reassuring, but switching medications is always a conversation between you and your doctor. Every person responds differently to ADHD medications, and what works well for one patient may not work for another.

If you're considering a switch, bring this information to your next appointment and ask your prescriber which option makes the most sense for your situation. And if you'd rather stick with Qelbree, tools like Medfinder can help you find it.