What Is Viloxazine?

Viloxazine is a prescription medication sold under the brand name Qelbree. It is a non-stimulant treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) approved by the FDA for patients aged 6 and older.

Viloxazine is made by Supernus Pharmaceuticals. It was first approved in April 2021 for children ages 6–17 and expanded to include adults (18+) in March 2022.

Unlike most ADHD medications, Viloxazine is not a controlled substance, which makes it easier to prescribe and refill. It belongs to a drug class known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) with serotonin modulating activity.

What Does Viloxazine Treat?

Viloxazine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in patients aged 6 years and older. This includes children, adolescents, and adults.

Interestingly, Viloxazine is not entirely new. It was originally marketed in Europe as an antidepressant under the name Vivalan. While it is sometimes used off-label for depression and anxiety, its primary approved use in the United States is for ADHD.

How Does Viloxazine Work?

Viloxazine works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain, which increases its availability. It also modulates serotonin receptor activity — specifically acting as a 5-HT2B antagonist and 5-HT2C inverse agonist. This dual action helps improve attention, focus, and impulse control.

This mechanism is different from stimulant ADHD medications, which primarily increase dopamine. It's also different from Atomoxetine (Strattera), another non-stimulant, because of its additional serotonin activity. For a deeper dive, read how Viloxazine works.

Viloxazine Dosage by Age

Viloxazine comes as extended-release oral capsules in 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg strengths. It is taken once daily in the morning with or without food.

Children Ages 6–11

• Starting dose: 100 mg once daily
• Titration: May increase to 200 mg once daily after 1 week
• Maximum dose: 400 mg per day

Adolescents Ages 12–17

• Starting dose: 200 mg once daily
• Titration: May increase to 400 mg once daily after 1 week
• Maximum dose: 400 mg per day

Adults Ages 18+

• Starting dose: 200 mg once daily
• Titration: May increase to 400 mg once daily after 1 week
• Maximum dose: 600 mg per day

How to Take Viloxazine

Here are important tips for taking Viloxazine correctly:

• Take it once daily in the morning
• You can take it with or without food (taking it with food may help reduce nausea)
• Capsules can be opened and sprinkled on a teaspoon of applesauce — swallow immediately without chewing
• Do not crush or chew the capsule contents
• Take it at the same time every day for best results

Common Side Effects

Like all medications, Viloxazine can cause side effects. The most common ones include:

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Irritability

Most of these side effects are mild and may improve over time. For a complete guide, including when to seek medical attention, read our article on Viloxazine side effects.

Serious Warnings

Viloxazine has an FDA boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Patients should be monitored closely, especially when first starting treatment or when doses are changed.

Other serious concerns include increased blood pressure and heart rate, activation of mania, and allergic reactions. Always tell your doctor about your full medical history before starting Viloxazine.

Drug Interactions

Viloxazine has several important drug interactions. It should never be taken with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping one. It also inhibits the CYP1A2 enzyme, which means it can increase the levels of certain other medications in your body.

For the full list of interactions, see our guide on Viloxazine drug interactions.

Who Should Not Take Viloxazine?

Viloxazine is contraindicated in people who:

• Are taking or have recently taken an MAO inhibitor (within 14 days)
• Have a known allergy to Viloxazine or any of its ingredients

Special caution is needed for:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women — Limited data is available; Viloxazine is excreted in breast milk
• Patients with liver problems — Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment
• Patients with kidney problems — Dose adjustment is needed for severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min)

How Much Does Viloxazine Cost?

The cash price for brand-name Qelbree ranges from $350 to $500 per month. There is no generic version available as of 2026.

Insurance coverage varies. Many plans require prior authorization, and some require step therapy (trying a stimulant first). If cost is a barrier, explore ways to save money on Viloxazine, including the Supernus Qelbree Savings Card and patient assistance programs.

How Viloxazine Compares to Other ADHD Medications

Viloxazine stands out because it is the only non-stimulant ADHD medication with serotonin modulating activity. Here's how it compares:

• vs. Atomoxetine (Strattera): Both are non-stimulants, but Viloxazine has additional serotonin activity. Atomoxetine is available as a generic.
• vs. Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) and Clonidine ER (Kapvay): These are alpha-2 agonists with a different mechanism. They're also non-stimulants but work through different brain pathways.
• vs. Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin): Stimulants are still considered first-line ADHD treatment. Viloxazine is often tried when stimulants cause too many side effects or aren't a good fit.

For more on alternatives, read alternatives to Viloxazine.

Finding and Filling Your Prescription

Because Viloxazine is brand-only, not every pharmacy stocks it. Use MedFinder to check which pharmacies near you have it in stock. If you need a prescriber, see our guide on finding a doctor who prescribes Viloxazine.

Bottom Line

Viloxazine (Qelbree) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication with a unique mechanism of action. It's approved for patients aged 6 and older, is not a controlled substance, and can be prescribed via telehealth. While it's more expensive than generic alternatives, savings programs are available to help manage costs. Talk to your doctor to find out if Viloxazine is right for you or your child.