What Is Qelbree?

Qelbree (Viloxazine) is a non-stimulant, FDA-approved medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 6 and older, adolescents, and adults.

Made by Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Qelbree was first approved by the FDA in April 2021 for pediatric patients and expanded to include adults in April 2022. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Unlike stimulant medications such as Adderall, Ritalin, or Vyvanse, Qelbree is not a controlled substance. This means it has no DEA scheduling, no risk of physical dependence, and fewer prescribing restrictions. For patients and families looking for a non-stimulant approach to ADHD, Qelbree has become one of the most talked-about options available.

What Is Qelbree Used For?

Qelbree is FDA-approved for one indication:

• ADHD in patients 6 years and older, including children, adolescents, and adults

It can be used as a first-line treatment or as an alternative when stimulants haven't worked well, cause too many side effects, or aren't preferred. Some doctors also consider it for patients who have a history of substance use disorder, since it carries no abuse potential.

While Viloxazine (the active ingredient in Qelbree) was previously used in Europe as an antidepressant, Qelbree is not approved for depression or anxiety in the United States. Any use beyond ADHD would be considered off-label.

How Is Qelbree Taken?

Qelbree comes as an extended-release capsule in three strengths:

• 100 mg
• 150 mg
• 200 mg

It is taken once daily in the morning, with or without food.

Dosing by Age Group

• Children (ages 6–11): Start at 100 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase to 200 mg once daily after one week.
• Adolescents (ages 12–17): Start at 200 mg once daily. May increase to 400 mg once daily.
• Adults (18+): Start at 200 mg once daily. May increase by 200 mg per week, up to a maximum of 600 mg once daily.

Tips for Taking Qelbree

• Swallow capsules whole — do not chew or crush
• If you can't swallow the capsule, you can open it and sprinkle the contents onto a teaspoon of applesauce. Eat it right away without chewing.
• Take it at the same time each morning for the best results
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but skip it if it's close to the next day's dose

Who Should Not Take Qelbree?

Qelbree is not right for everyone. You should not take Qelbree if you:

• Are currently taking or have taken an MAO inhibitor (such as Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Isocarboxazid, or Selegiline) within the last 14 days — this combination can cause a dangerous hypertensive crisis
• Are taking certain CYP1A2 substrate medications with narrow therapeutic ranges, including Theophylline, Tizanidine, Alosetron, Duloxetine, or Fluvoxamine

Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. For a complete list, see our Qelbree drug interactions guide.

Qelbree also carries an FDA boxed warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults. Close monitoring is essential, especially during the first few months. Learn more in our side effects guide.

How Much Does Qelbree Cost?

Qelbree is a brand-name-only medication — there is no generic version available, and one isn't expected until 2033–2035 at the earliest.

• Without insurance: $362–$525 per month for a 30-day supply
• With insurance: Most commercial plans cover Qelbree, but many require prior authorization or step therapy (trying another medication first)
• Savings card: Supernus offers a savings card that can reduce your copay to as low as $20 per prescription for eligible commercially insured patients. Not valid for government insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE).
• Patient assistance: Uninsured or underinsured patients may qualify for the Supernus Support Program through PharmaCord

For a full breakdown of savings options, see our guide to saving money on Qelbree.

How Does Qelbree Compare to Other ADHD Medications?

Qelbree isn't the only non-stimulant option for ADHD. Here's how it stacks up:

• Strattera (Atomoxetine): Another non-stimulant SNRI. Generic available at $30–$60/month. Has a longer track record but similar side effect profile.
• Intuniv (Guanfacine ER): Alpha-2 agonist approved for children 6–17. Generic available at $20–$50/month. Different mechanism of action.
• Kapvay (Clonidine ER): Another alpha-2 agonist for children 6–17. Generic available at $15–$40/month.
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion): Used off-label for ADHD. Generic at $10–$30/month. Not FDA-approved for ADHD.

For more detail, read our guide to Qelbree alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Qelbree has carved out an important place in ADHD treatment as a non-stimulant option that works for children, teens, and adults. While it's more expensive than generics and can be harder to find at pharmacies, it offers a meaningful alternative for patients who can't or don't want to take stimulants.

If you've been prescribed Qelbree and need to find it at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can help. And if you want to understand how it works in your body, check out our mechanism of action explainer.