Alternatives to Viloxazine If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

If you've been prescribed Viloxazine (Qelbree) for ADHD and can't find it at your pharmacy, you may be wondering what other options are available. While we always recommend trying to locate your prescribed medication first — tools like Medfinder can help you find Viloxazine in stock near you — it's also important to know what alternatives exist in case you need to switch.

In this guide, we'll explain what Viloxazine is, how it works, and walk you through the most common alternative medications your doctor might consider. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication.

What Is Viloxazine?

Viloxazine (brand name Qelbree) is a non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in patients aged 6 and older. It's manufactured by Supernus Pharmaceuticals and was first approved in April 2021.

Viloxazine belongs to a class of drugs called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Unlike stimulant medications, it is not a controlled substance, which means it doesn't carry the same risk of abuse or dependence and is easier to prescribe and refill.

How Does Viloxazine Work?

Viloxazine works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain, which increases the availability of this important neurotransmitter. Norepinephrine plays a key role in attention, focus, and executive function — the very things that are impaired in ADHD.

What makes Viloxazine unique compared to other non-stimulant ADHD medications is its additional effect on serotonin. It acts as a serotonin receptor modulator (specifically a 5-HT2B antagonist and 5-HT2C inverse agonist), which may contribute to its effectiveness and its potential mood-related benefits. This dual mechanism is different from Atomoxetine, which primarily affects norepinephrine alone.

Alternative Medications to Viloxazine

If you can't find or tolerate Viloxazine, here are the most commonly considered alternatives. Each has its own mechanism of action, side effect profile, and practical considerations.

1. Atomoxetine (Strattera)

Atomoxetine is the most established non-stimulant ADHD medication and the closest alternative to Viloxazine. Like Viloxazine, it works by inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake, though it doesn't have the same serotonin-modulating effects.

• Availability: Available as a generic, making it much more affordable and widely stocked
• Cost: Generic Atomoxetine costs approximately $30–$80 per month — significantly less than brand-name Qelbree
• Key differences: Atomoxetine takes 4–6 weeks to reach full effect, while Viloxazine may show benefits sooner. Atomoxetine is also not a controlled substance.
• Common side effects: Decreased appetite, nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, and — in adults — sexual side effects

2. Guanfacine ER (Intuniv)

Guanfacine extended-release is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist approved for ADHD in children and adolescents aged 6–17. It works differently than Viloxazine — instead of blocking norepinephrine reuptake, it stimulates alpha-2A receptors in the prefrontal cortex, which helps improve attention and reduce impulsivity.

• Availability: Available as a generic, widely stocked at most pharmacies
• Cost: Generic Guanfacine ER costs approximately $20–$60 per month
• Key differences: Often used in combination with stimulant medications rather than as a standalone treatment. May be particularly helpful for hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. Can cause sedation, especially at the start of treatment.
• Common side effects: Drowsiness, fatigue, low blood pressure, dizziness, dry mouth

3. Clonidine ER (Kapvay)

Clonidine extended-release is another alpha-2 adrenergic agonist similar to Guanfacine. It is FDA-approved for ADHD in children and adolescents aged 6–17 and is often used as an adjunct to stimulant medications.

• Availability: Available as a generic, widely stocked
• Cost: Generic Clonidine ER costs approximately $15–$50 per month
• Key differences: Clonidine tends to be more sedating than Guanfacine and is sometimes preferred for patients who also have sleep difficulties or tic disorders. It has a shorter duration of action than Guanfacine.
• Common side effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, low blood pressure

4. Stimulant Medications

If you were prescribed Viloxazine specifically because you wanted a non-stimulant option, stimulants may not be your first choice — but they remain the most effective class of ADHD medications for most patients. Common stimulant options include:

• Methylphenidate-based: Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana
• Amphetamine-based: Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, Mydayis

Stimulants work faster (often within the first dose) and have the strongest evidence base for ADHD treatment. However, they are controlled substances (Schedule II) and carry risks of dependence, cardiovascular effects, and appetite suppression. Discuss with your prescriber whether a stimulant might be appropriate for your situation.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

The best alternative depends on your individual situation. Here are some factors to discuss with your healthcare provider:

• Why you were prescribed Viloxazine: If it was specifically for its non-stimulant status, Atomoxetine or Guanfacine are the most natural alternatives
• Your symptom profile: Primarily inattentive symptoms may respond differently than hyperactive/impulsive symptoms
• Side effect tolerance: If sedation is a concern, Atomoxetine may be preferred over Guanfacine or Clonidine
• Cost considerations: All alternatives listed above have generic versions available, making them significantly less expensive than brand-name Qelbree
• Age: Guanfacine ER and Clonidine ER are FDA-approved only for pediatric patients (6–17), while Atomoxetine and Viloxazine are approved for adults as well

Final Thoughts

Before switching to an alternative, make sure you've explored all options for finding Viloxazine. Use Medfinder to search pharmacies in your area — you may be surprised to find that an independent pharmacy or a location you hadn't considered has it in stock.

If you do need to switch, the most common non-stimulant alternatives to Viloxazine are:

1. Atomoxetine (Strattera) — closest mechanism, generic available
2. Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) — different mechanism, good for hyperactivity
3. Clonidine ER (Kapvay) — similar to Guanfacine, may help with sleep
4. Stimulant medications — most effective overall, but controlled substances

For more information, explore our related guides:

• How to Find Viloxazine in Stock Near You
• What Is Viloxazine? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know
• How Does Viloxazine Work? Mechanism of Action Explained