Finding the Right Doctor for a Qelbree Prescription

If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD — or you suspect ADHD might be the issue — you may have heard about Qelbree (Viloxazine), a non-stimulant medication that's become an increasingly popular treatment option. But not every doctor is familiar with it, and figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming.

This guide walks you through who can prescribe Qelbree, how to find the right provider near you, and what to expect once you get there.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Qelbree?

Qelbree is FDA-approved for ADHD in patients 6 years and older, including adults. Since it is not a controlled substance, it can be prescribed by a wider range of healthcare providers than stimulant medications like Adderall or Vyvanse.

Doctors who commonly prescribe Qelbree include:

• Psychiatrists — The most common prescribers, especially for adults with ADHD
• Child and adolescent psychiatrists — Specialists in pediatric mental health
• Pediatricians — Many are comfortable prescribing non-stimulant ADHD medications for children
• Primary care physicians and family medicine doctors — Can prescribe Qelbree, particularly if they have experience with ADHD
• Neurologists — Sometimes involved when ADHD overlaps with other neurological conditions

If you already have a doctor who manages your ADHD, they can likely prescribe Qelbree. If you're starting from scratch, a psychiatrist is usually the best place to begin.

How to Find a Provider Near You

There are several practical ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Qelbree in your area.

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Start with your health insurance company's online directory. Most insurers let you search by specialty (psychiatry, pediatrics, etc.) and filter by providers who are accepting new patients. This ensures you're seeing someone in-network, which will keep your costs lower.

When you call to make an appointment, ask the office directly: "Does the doctor have experience prescribing Qelbree or non-stimulant ADHD medications?"

2. Search on Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Psychology Today let you search for psychiatrists and other specialists near you. You can filter by insurance accepted, availability, and patient ratings. Some even allow same-week booking.

3. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

If your primary care doctor isn't comfortable prescribing Qelbree themselves, they can refer you to a psychiatrist or ADHD specialist who is. A referral can also help if your insurance requires one before seeing a specialist.

4. Consider Telehealth

Telehealth has made it much easier to see a psychiatrist without long wait times. Because Qelbree is not a controlled substance, many states allow it to be prescribed via telehealth without an in-person visit. Online platforms like Cerebral, Done, and Talkiatry specialize in ADHD care and can prescribe Qelbree in most states.

This can be especially helpful if you live in a rural area or if local psychiatrists have months-long wait lists.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Whether you see a doctor in person or online, here's what a typical first visit looks like when discussing Qelbree:

• Medical history review — Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long you've had them, and what treatments you've tried before
• ADHD assessment — If you haven't been formally diagnosed, your doctor may use standardized questionnaires or rating scales
• Medication discussion — This is where Qelbree may come up. Your doctor will consider factors like your age, symptom severity, side effect concerns, and whether you've tried stimulants before
• Side effect review — Your doctor should explain the most common side effects like sleepiness, decreased appetite, and nausea. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on Qelbree side effects

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Good ones include:

• Why Qelbree over other options?
• What dose will I start at?
• How long until I notice a difference?
• What should I watch out for?

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes a prescription for Qelbree, the next step is filling it at a pharmacy. This is where some patients run into trouble — Qelbree is a newer brand-name medication, and not every pharmacy keeps it in stock.

Before heading to the pharmacy, it's worth checking availability first. You can use Medfinder to see which pharmacies near you have Qelbree in stock, or read our guide on how to check pharmacy stock without calling.

Also keep in mind:

• Cost: Without insurance, Qelbree runs $362–$525 per month. Most commercial insurers cover it with prior authorization. Supernus offers a savings card that can bring your copay to as low as $20. See our savings guide for more options.
• Prior authorization: Your insurance may require your doctor to submit paperwork proving Qelbree is medically necessary. This can take a few days.
• Step therapy: Some insurers require you to try another medication first (like a stimulant or Strattera) before they'll approve Qelbree.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right doctor is the first step toward getting the treatment you need. Qelbree has become a valuable option for patients who want a non-stimulant approach to managing ADHD, and the good news is that many types of providers can prescribe it.

Start with your insurance directory or a telehealth platform, come prepared with your medical history, and don't hesitate to advocate for the treatment you think is right for you. If you need help finding Qelbree in stock after your appointment, Medfinder can help you locate it nearby.