Viloxazine Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Updated:

February 27, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Is Viloxazine (Qelbree) still hard to find in 2026? Get the latest shortage update, pricing info, and practical tips to find your ADHD medication in stock.

Viloxazine Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you take Viloxazine (Qelbree) for ADHD, here's what you need to know about availability in 2026. While Viloxazine has not been placed on the FDA's official drug shortage list, many patients continue to experience difficulty finding it at their local pharmacies. The problem isn't a traditional shortage — it's a combination of factors that make this medication harder to locate than most.

This guide covers the current availability situation, what's driving the challenges, how much Viloxazine costs in 2026, and most importantly, what you can do to get your prescription filled.

Is Viloxazine Still in Shortage in 2026?

Viloxazine (Qelbree) is not currently listed on the FDA's drug shortage database. Supernus Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Qelbree, continues to manufacture and distribute the medication. However, "not in shortage" doesn't mean "easy to find."

The reality is that many patients still report difficulty filling their Viloxazine prescriptions, particularly at chain pharmacies. This is a localized availability issue rather than a nationwide supply disruption — the medication exists in the supply chain, but it may not be sitting on the shelf at your nearest pharmacy.

Why Is Viloxazine Still Hard to Find at Some Pharmacies?

Several factors contribute to the ongoing availability challenges:

Wholesaler Allocation Limits

Pharmacies order medications through wholesalers, and these wholesalers may limit how much of a particular drug a pharmacy can purchase. If a pharmacy hasn't historically stocked Viloxazine in large quantities, their allocation may be small — meaning even if they want to order it for you, their wholesaler may not send enough.

Demand Exceeding Local Supply

As more prescribers turn to non-stimulant ADHD options — especially given the ongoing challenges with stimulant medication availability — demand for Viloxazine has grown. In some areas, this increased demand has outpaced local supply, creating temporary gaps.

Pharmacy Stocking Decisions

With a cash price of $350–$500 per month, Viloxazine is an expensive medication for pharmacies to keep in stock. Many pharmacies, especially smaller or less busy locations, choose not to stock it unless they have a confirmed prescription to fill. This means you may need to wait for the pharmacy to order it, which can take 1–3 business days.

Brand-Only Status

There is no generic Viloxazine available in 2026. Every prescription must be filled with the brand-name Qelbree product. Generic medications are typically stocked more widely because they cost pharmacies less to keep on hand. Without a generic option, distribution remains more limited.

How Much Does Viloxazine Cost in 2026?

Without Insurance

The retail (cash) price for Viloxazine is typically $350–$500 per month, depending on your dose and pharmacy. This makes it one of the more expensive ADHD medications available.

With Insurance

If you have commercial insurance, your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's formulary. Viloxazine is typically placed on Tier 3 (preferred brand) or higher, meaning copays can range from $40–$100+ per month. Many insurance plans require:

  • Prior authorization: Your doctor must submit documentation explaining why Viloxazine is medically necessary
  • Step therapy: You may need to try (and fail) a stimulant medication or Atomoxetine first before your insurer will cover Viloxazine

Savings Programs

Supernus Pharmaceuticals offers a Qelbree Savings Card for eligible commercially insured patients, which can reduce your copay to as little as $0 (subject to a maximum benefit per prescription). You can enroll on the Qelbree website or ask your prescriber for details.

For uninsured or underinsured patients, the Supernus Cares Patient Assistance Program may provide Qelbree at no cost for those who qualify based on income. Additional resources include NeedyMeds, RxAssist, and RxHope.

For a complete guide to saving money, see our article on how to save money on Viloxazine.

New Options in 2026

While no generic Viloxazine is expected in 2026, the non-stimulant ADHD treatment landscape continues to evolve. Patients who have difficulty accessing Viloxazine may want to discuss the following with their provider:

  • Generic Atomoxetine (Strattera): A well-established non-stimulant alternative with wide availability and lower cost
  • Generic Guanfacine ER (Intuniv): An alpha-2 agonist alternative, particularly for pediatric patients
  • Telehealth prescribing: Since Viloxazine is not a controlled substance, it can be prescribed via telehealth without an in-person visit, expanding access to prescribers

How to Find Viloxazine in Stock Near You in 2026

Here are the most effective steps to get your Viloxazine prescription filled:

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder helps patients find hard-to-locate medications by searching pharmacies in your area. Their dedicated support team contacts pharmacies on your behalf, saving you from calling dozens of locations yourself. This is especially useful for brand-name medications like Qelbree that aren't universally stocked.

2. Try Independent Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies often have different wholesaler relationships and more flexibility in ordering specialty medications. They may be able to get Viloxazine faster than chain pharmacies with allocation limits.

3. Plan Ahead

Contact your pharmacy at least one week before you need your refill. This gives them time to order Viloxazine from their wholesaler if they don't have it in stock. Don't wait until you're completely out.

4. Ask About Specific Doses

If your pharmacy is out of your specific dose, ask whether a different dose strength is available. For example, if you take 400 mg daily and they're out of 200 mg capsules, they might have 100 mg capsules that you could take four of (with your doctor's approval). Always check with your prescriber before adjusting doses.

Final Thoughts

Here's what you need to know about Viloxazine availability in 2026:

  1. Viloxazine is not on the FDA shortage list, but localized availability challenges persist
  2. The main issues are brand-only status, cost, and pharmacy stocking decisions — not a manufacturing shortage
  3. Savings programs can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost
  4. Medfinder is the fastest way to find a pharmacy with Viloxazine in stock
  5. Plan ahead — contact your pharmacy at least one week before your refill date

For more information, explore our related guides:

Is Viloxazine still in shortage in 2026?

Viloxazine (Qelbree) is not currently listed on the FDA's drug shortage database. However, many patients still report difficulty finding it at their local pharmacy due to its brand-only status, high cost, and pharmacy stocking decisions. The issue is localized availability rather than a nationwide supply disruption.

Why can't I find Viloxazine at my pharmacy?

Several factors may be at play: your pharmacy may not routinely stock Viloxazine due to its high cost ($350–$500/month), their wholesaler may limit how much they can order, or local demand may be outpacing supply. Try using Medfinder or checking independent pharmacies for better availability.

Is there a generic for Viloxazine in 2026?

No, there is no generic version of Viloxazine available in 2026. Qelbree is still under patent protection from Supernus Pharmaceuticals. All prescriptions must be filled with the brand-name product, which contributes to availability and cost challenges.

How much does Viloxazine cost without insurance in 2026?

The retail cash price for Viloxazine (Qelbree) ranges from $350–$500 per month depending on your dose and pharmacy. Supernus offers a savings card that can reduce copays to as little as $0 for eligible commercially insured patients, and a patient assistance program for uninsured or underinsured individuals.

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