Struggling to find Qelbree at your pharmacy? Learn why this non-stimulant ADHD medication is hard to find in 2026 and what you can do about it.
You got your prescription, drove to the pharmacy, and heard the dreaded words: “We don't have that in stock.” If you've been trying to fill a Qelbree prescription lately, you already know how frustrating it can be. You're not imagining it — many patients across the country are having the same experience.
Qelbree (Viloxazine) is one of the newest non-stimulant medications for ADHD, and while it's an important treatment option for many people, actually getting your hands on it can feel like a scavenger hunt. In this post, we'll explain exactly why Qelbree is so hard to find and what you can do about it.
Qelbree is the brand name for Viloxazine extended-release capsules. It's a non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages 6 and older. It works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
Unlike stimulant ADHD medications like Adderall or Vyvanse, Qelbree is not a controlled substance. That means it doesn't carry the same regulatory restrictions around prescribing and dispensing. It was approved in 2021 and is made by Supernus Pharmaceuticals.
For a deeper dive into how it works, check out our post on how Qelbree works.
There are several reasons why you might be having trouble finding Qelbree at your pharmacy. Let's break them down.
Qelbree was only approved in 2021, and there is no generic version available. Generic Viloxazine extended-release is not expected to hit the market until at least 2033, due to patent protections held by Supernus Pharmaceuticals.
Because it's brand-name only, it's more expensive for pharmacies to stock. Many pharmacies — especially large chain pharmacies — don't keep it on their shelves unless they have regular customers who fill it. If your pharmacy has never dispensed Qelbree before, they may need to special-order it from their wholesaler.
Since late 2022, the United States has been dealing with widespread shortages of stimulant ADHD medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin. These shortages have pushed more patients and prescribers toward non-stimulant alternatives — including Qelbree.
This increase in demand has made Qelbree harder to find at times, even though Qelbree itself hasn't been listed on the FDA Drug Shortage Database. More people are asking for it, and pharmacies that didn't stock it before are seeing new requests they can't immediately fill.
Many insurance plans require prior authorization before they'll cover Qelbree. Some plans also require step therapy, meaning you have to try (and fail on) another medication first — usually a stimulant or a cheaper non-stimulant like generic Atomoxetine (Strattera).
These hurdles can slow down the process significantly. Even once your insurance approves the medication, your pharmacy might not have it in stock because they rarely dispense it. To learn more about managing costs, see our guide on how to save money on Qelbree.
Pharmacies don't keep unlimited inventory. They stock medications based on demand from their regular customers. Since Qelbree is relatively new and expensive, many pharmacies simply don't carry it.
Chain pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid may need 1-3 business days to order it from their distributor. Independent pharmacies may have more flexibility to order it quickly, but they face the same supply chain dynamics.
The good news is that Qelbree is being manufactured — this isn't a shortage in the traditional sense. The supply exists; the challenge is connecting with a pharmacy that has it. Here's what you can do:
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies near you that have Qelbree in stock right now. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability in one place and save yourself hours of frustration.
Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility with ordering and may be willing to order Qelbree specifically for you, sometimes getting it in as fast as the next business day. They may also offer more personalized service and help you navigate insurance issues.
If you've been waiting weeks and still can't find Qelbree, talk to your prescriber. There are other non-stimulant options like Strattera (Atomoxetine), Intuniv (Guanfacine ER), and Kapvay (Clonidine ER) that may work for you in the meantime. You can read more in our post on alternatives to Qelbree.
Don't wait until you're out of medication to refill. Try to call your pharmacy at least a week before you run out so they have time to order it if needed.
Finding Qelbree can be a challenge, but understanding why it's hard to find puts you in a better position to solve the problem. It's not a manufacturing shortage — it's a combination of being a newer brand-name drug, increased demand from the broader ADHD medication landscape, and pharmacy stocking habits.
The most effective thing you can do is use a tool like Medfinder to locate pharmacies with Qelbree in stock near you. You don't have to keep calling around — let the tool do the work for you.
For more tips, check out our guide on how to find Qelbree in stock near you.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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