Provider Briefing: Qelbree Availability in 2026

As a provider prescribing Qelbree (Viloxazine extended-release) for ADHD, you've likely heard from patients who can't find it at their pharmacy. This post provides an up-to-date overview of the Qelbree availability landscape in 2026, the factors driving access challenges, and practical steps you can take to help your patients stay on therapy.

Current Supply Status

As of early 2026, Qelbree is not listed on the FDA Drug Shortage Database. Supernus Pharmaceuticals continues to manufacture and distribute the medication. The supply chain from manufacturer to wholesaler is functioning normally.

However, the last-mile availability — getting Qelbree from the pharmacy shelf into the patient's hands — remains a persistent challenge. This is not a manufacturing shortage in the traditional sense. Rather, it's an access gap driven by pharmacy stocking practices, insurance barriers, and the medication's position as a newer, brand-name-only product.

Timeline: How We Got Here

Understanding the current landscape requires context:

• April 2021: FDA approves Qelbree (Viloxazine ER) for ADHD in pediatric patients ages 6-17.
• April 2022: FDA expands approval to include adults 18+.
• Late 2022-2023: Nationwide stimulant ADHD medication shortages begin, affecting Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, and their generics. This drives a significant increase in non-stimulant prescribing.
• 2023-2024: Qelbree prescribing volume increases as both a primary treatment and as an alternative during stimulant shortages. Patients begin reporting difficulty finding it at pharmacies.
• 2025-2026: Stimulant shortages slowly improve but haven't fully resolved. Qelbree demand remains elevated. Pharmacy stocking has not fully caught up with the new demand pattern.

Prescribing Implications

Several factors are worth considering when prescribing Qelbree in the current environment:

No Generic Available

Viloxazine ER remains brand-name only. Patents held by Supernus Pharmaceuticals are expected to prevent generic entry until at least 2033-2035. This has significant implications for cost and insurance coverage.

Prior Authorization Requirements

Most commercial payers and many Medicaid plans require prior authorization for Qelbree. Common criteria include:

• Documented ADHD diagnosis
• Age-appropriate indication (6+ for pediatric, 18+ for adult approval)
• In many cases, documentation of trial/failure of a stimulant medication or generic Atomoxetine (step therapy)

Prior authorization adds administrative burden and delays treatment initiation. Consider proactively submitting PAs at the time of prescribing rather than waiting for a pharmacy rejection.

Drug Interactions

As a reminder, Viloxazine is a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor and a weak CYP2D6 inhibitor. Key interaction considerations:

• Contraindicated: MAOIs (within 14 days), sensitive CYP1A2 substrates with narrow therapeutic index (theophylline, tizanidine, alosetron, duloxetine)
• Monitor closely: Other CYP1A2 substrates (caffeine, melatonin, ramelteon), CYP2D6 substrates (Atomoxetine, dextromethorphan)
• Serotonergic drugs: Risk of serotonin syndrome with concurrent use

For a comprehensive review, see our post on Qelbree drug interactions.

The Availability Picture

The core issue is that many retail pharmacies do not routinely stock Qelbree. Key factors:

• Inventory economics: As a brand-name-only product with a wholesale cost of several hundred dollars per bottle, pharmacies are reluctant to stock it without guaranteed demand.
• Chain pharmacy algorithms: Large chain pharmacies use automated inventory systems that stock based on dispensing history. New or infrequently dispensed medications may not be auto-ordered.
• Regional variation: Availability varies significantly by geography. Urban areas with more pharmacy options tend to have better access than rural areas.

Cost and Access

Cost remains a significant barrier for patients:

• Cash price: $362-$525/month (30 capsules)
• With commercial insurance + manufacturer savings card: As low as $20/month
• Discount card pricing (GoodRx, SingleCare): $360-$470/month

The Supernus Qelbree Savings Card is available for commercially insured patients and can reduce out-of-pocket costs to as low as $20. This is not available for patients with government insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE).

For uninsured or underinsured patients, the Supernus Support Program (administered by PharmaCord) offers patient assistance. Providers can initiate enrollment through the support enrollment form at qelbreehcp.com.

For a patient-facing guide on savings, see how to save money on Qelbree.

Tools and Resources for Your Practice

Medfinder for Providers

Medfinder allows you and your patients to search for pharmacies that currently have Qelbree in stock. Consider recommending this tool to patients at the point of prescribing, especially for first-time Qelbree patients who may not know that availability can be an issue.

Alternative Prescribing Options

When Qelbree access is delayed, consider these evidence-based alternatives:

• Atomoxetine (generic Strattera): Same drug class (NRI), generic available, well-established efficacy data. $30-$60/month.
• Guanfacine ER (generic Intuniv): Alpha-2 agonist, FDA-approved for pediatric ADHD. $20-$50/month.
• Clonidine ER (generic Kapvay): Alpha-2 agonist, FDA-approved for pediatric ADHD. $15-$40/month.
• Bupropion (off-label): NDRI, commonly used off-label for adult ADHD, especially with comorbid depression. $10-$30/month.

Supernus Support

Supernus offers a comprehensive support program including:

• Prior authorization assistance
• Benefits investigation
• Copay savings card enrollment
• Patient assistance program for eligible uninsured/underinsured patients

Access the program at qelbreehcp.com or call the Supernus support line.

Looking Ahead

Several developments may affect Qelbree availability going forward:

• Stimulant shortage resolution: As stimulant ADHD medication supply stabilizes, some of the redirected demand for non-stimulants may normalize.
• Pharmacy stocking adaptation: As Qelbree prescribing volume continues to grow, more pharmacies are likely to begin stocking it routinely.
• Generic timeline: No generic Viloxazine ER is expected before 2033 at the earliest.

Final Thoughts

The Qelbree access challenge is a practical issue that requires practical solutions. At the prescribing level, proactive prior authorization, patient education about pharmacy options, and awareness of savings programs can make a significant difference.

We recommend directing patients to Medfinder as a first step when they encounter availability issues. For a detailed patient-communication guide, see our post on how to help your patients find Qelbree in stock.