Qelbree for ADHD

Qelbree is a non-stimulant medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies show it’s a safe and effective treatment for improving concentration, staying focused, and reducing fidgeting.

Considering Qelbree for ADHD and want to get a Qelbree prescription online? Find an ADHD specialist on Klarity Health to assess your symptoms and decide if Qelbree is right for you.

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Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Paul Hetrick

A hand holding a Qelbree capsule, used for ADHD treatment

What is Qelbree for ADHD?

Qelbree (viloxazine) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2021. It’s a non-stimulant prescription medication for treating ADHD. And people who take it say it works — Qelbree reviewers report having more motivation and ability to follow through with tasks.

Qelbree is only available in extended-release capsules. There’s no generic version available today.

Learn more about treating ADHD.

How does Qelbree work for ADHD?

Qelbree is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI). It works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain. Norepinephrine is a brain chemical that plays a role in arousal, attention, cognitive function, and stress reactions. Making it more available, like Qelbree does, helps improve ADHD symptoms, like lack of focus and executive dysfunction.

Qelbree is also a non-stimulant option for treating ADHD. It doesn’t have the same risk for addiction and withdrawal as stimulant medications, like Adderall or Ritalin. It also doesn’t cause a “crash” when it wears off.

Learn more about non-stimulant ADHD medications.

A woman thumbs up and is satisfied with the effects of her ADHD medication

Who can take Qelbree?

Qelbree is FDA approved for adults and children 6 and older who have an ADHD diagnosis. You might prefer it if stimulant medications for ADHD don’t work for you, or if you want a ADHD medication you don’t have to take breaks from.

A man discusses Qelbree for ADHD during an online medical consultation

How to get a Qelbree for ADHD prescription online

You need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to get Qelbree for ADHD. Prescribing providers include physicians (MDs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants/associates (PAs). You can also see an ADHD specialist, which is typically a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.

If your provider decides that Qelbree is a medically necessary part of your ADHD treatment plan, they can submit your prescription to your pharmacy of choice.

On Klarity Health, you can find a board-certified, licensed healthcare provider who specializes in ADHD. They can tailor a treatment plan for you and prescribe medication if needed.

Learn how to find an ADHD doctor online to find out more about online ADHD prescriptions.

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How to use Qelbree and Qelbree dosages

Qelbree is a pill you take by mouth. It’s available in extended-release capsules that come in 3 strengths — 100, 150, and 200 milligrams.

The recommended starting dose for adults is 200 milligrams once a day. If this doesn’t work for you, your provider may increase your dose by 200 milligrams each week until you find a maintenance dose that works. The maximum dosage is 600 milligrams a day.

Qelbree can be taken with or without food. You don’t want to chew or divide your pills, but you can sprinkle the capsule’s contents over a spoonful of pudding or applesauce if you have trouble swallowing pills. Swallow the food-medication mixture whole without chewing it. Don’t store food with Qelbree mixed into it.

A smiling woman works on her laptop, using Qelbree for better ADHD management

A woman looks concerned about the effects of Qelbree for ADHD

Qelbree side effects and warnings

The most common side effects of Qelbree in adults are insomnia, sleepiness or tiredness, nausea, dry mouth, headache, decreased appetite, vomiting, and constipation.

Serious side effects that have been reported with Qelbree use include suicidal thoughts or behaviors, manic episodes, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Before taking Qelbree, share your physical and mental health history with your provider.

And if you have negative side effects while taking Adderall, you’re encouraged to report them to the FDA by visiting MedWatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Learn more about Qelbree side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications.

What does Qelbree cost?

Without insurance, a 1-month supply of Qelbree costs $384 on average according to drugs.com and with its discount card. There is no cheaper generic version available.

You’ll likely pay less if you have insurance that covers Qelbree. Also, the manufacturer, Supernus Pharmaceuticals, provides a savings card program on its website you can use with or without insurance. It also offers support through the Supernus Support hotline (1-866-398-0833). Visit the website or call the hotline to find out if you’re eligible for Qelbree savings from Supernus.

Qelbree coupons from prescription discount sites, like GoodRx, drugs.com, SingleCareRx, and Optum Perks, can also help you save from 3% to 80%.

How does Qelbree for ADHD compare to other medications?

In 2022, Qelbree prescriptions accounted for 3.5% of non-stimulant prescriptions for ADHD in the U.S. As the newest non-stimulant ADHD medication, it’s the least prescribed behind Intuniv (guanfacine), Strattera (atomoxetine), and clonidine.

A review of non-stimulants for ADHD found Qelbree just as effective as the other 3 medications in this class. And you may even experience fewer side effects with Qelbree. Studies show that it’s better tolerated than Strattera.

Compared to stimulant medications for ADHD, Qelbree takes longer to work. Stimulants relieve ADHD symptoms almost immediately, but it can take 2 weeks or more with Qelbree. An upside is that Qelbree doesn’t have the same risk for addiction or withdrawal.

Straterra (atomoxetine) is FDA approved to treat ADHD. Intuniv (guanfacine) and clonidine are not and are used off-label for ADHD. Atomoxetine and guanfacine side effects that can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, insomnia, and more. Clonidine is a controlled substance that can lead to abuse, misuse, an dependence. It’s side effects may include dry mouth, drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, or constipation.

Talk to your healthcare provider about which ADHD medication, if any, is right for you. They can prescribe a variety of stimulants or non-stimulants depending on your health history and ADHD symptoms.

Learn more about ADHD medications and stimulants vs non-stimulants.

A woman is weighing her options for ADHD treatments

With Klarity Health, you’re in good company

Reviews from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity Health.

How it works

Choose the right provider for you
Providers on Klarity Health are licensed, board-certified, and offer a personalized approach to your unique online ADHD treatment needs. See detailed profiles for each provider and find an approach that’s best for you. (Costs for treatment options may vary.)
Have your initial patient visit
Your journey to reduced ADHD symptoms starts with an initial consultation. Your provider will work with you to recommend the right program for you and that may or may not include prescription medication and/or therapy.
Work with your provider on your progress
Your initial ADHD consultation is just the beginning. You and your provider will follow up to make sure you’re doing okay and are reaching your goals. You stay on track with ongoing support from your provider(s) and medication refills if needed.
Access 24×7 support from Klarity Health
If you have questions or need assistance, the friendly Klarity Health Patient Support team is there to help. Along with your provider, they’re committed to making sure you have the best care and support throughout treatment.

Why choose a provider on Klarity Health?

ADHD assessment online in as little as 24 hours*

from a licensed, board-certified healthcare professional.

ADHD medication prescribed online

or in-person through treatment tailored to you

No insurance needed

get reimbursed from insurance or use your FSA or HSA

Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.

FAQs about Qelbree

How to get a Qelbree prescription online: To get a Qelbree prescription online, book a telehealth appointment with a board-certified healthcare provider licensed in your state. Licensed providers include physicians (MDs), physician assistants/associates (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs). Specialists, like psychiatrists, diagnose and treat ADHD, as well as psychiatric nurse practitioners. You can find a provider to help with ADHD on marketplace platforms, like Klarity Health. Providers on Klarity Health can evaluate your health and symptoms to create an effective ADHD treatment plan for you. If your provider feels a medication is a necessary part of your plan, they can give you a prescription.
Can telehealth prescribe Qelbree?: Yes, telehealth providers can prescribe Qelbree for ADHD. In some states though, you have to have at least one in-person visit before a provider can prescribe medication. Follow-up appointments though can all be done online.
How long does it take for Qelbree to work?: It can take 6 to 8 weeks for Qelbree to be fully effective. It’s a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) that works by increasing the levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine. It does so gradually. Many Reddit users who take Qelbree say it took the full 6 weeks before they noticed significant ADHD symptom relief. Some say they notice the effects sooner.
Is Qelbree good for ADHD?: According to clinical trial data, Qelbree is an effective treatment for ADHD. Adult participants who took it reported significant improvement in their ADHD symptoms after 6 weeks. It was also well tolerated by trial participants. The most common side effects reported were insomnia (experienced by 23% of participants), headache (17%), nausea (12%), dry mouth (10%), fatigue (12%), and decreased appetite (10%).

According to Qelbree reviews from real people, it may not be as good for ADHD in the real world. It’s rated 4.9 out of 10 on drugs.com, with 49% of reviewers reporting a negative experience. Many drugs.com reviewers report side effects and adverse reactions as reasons for stopping Qelbree.
How is Qelbree different from Adderall?: There are some key differences between Qelbree and Adderall. Qelbree is a non-stimulant medication for ADHD, while Adderall is a stimulant and controlled substance. Non-stimulants gradually increase your levels of certain brain chemicals to improve ADHD symptoms. They can take weeks to be fully effective, but they have less potential for addiction and misuse than stimulants. While stimulants, like Adderall, tend to calm ADHD immediately, you’re more likely to develop tolerance and dependence if you don’t take them as prescribed. Qelbree is a potential Adderall alternative for those who can’t tolerate or don’t want to take stimulants for ADHD.
How does Qelbree make you feel?: Individual experiences with Qelbree vary, but if it works for you, you should notice improvement in ADHD symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity. Real people who take Qelbree and talk about it on Reddit claim Qelbree quiets their minds without dampening their personalities. They report improved mood, attention, and clarity of mind. While these are major pros, the side effects in the first few weeks to months cause many users to switch to another ADHD medication. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about how Qelbree may affect you before starting it.
Does Qelbree help with focus?: Qelbree can help with focus. In clinical trials, participants reported significant improvement in inattention and hyperactivity related to ADHD. Reddit users who take it claim they find it easier to start and complete tasks, they have better engagement in activities, and their forgetfulness and organization improved. One Reddit user even says, “It’s [Qelbree] allowed me to re-evaluate my life, career, and relationships for the better. I’m able to organize my goals and fully follow through with them.”

Learn more about Qelbree and ADHD medication

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Sources: CNS Drugs, A Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Viloxazine Extended-Release Capsules in Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Azmi Nasser et al., Aug. 2022, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35896943/

CNS Drugs, Extended-Release Viloxazine Compared with Atomoxetine for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Maxwell Z. Price and Richard L. Price, Jul. 2023, https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40263-023-01023-6.pdf

CNS Drugs, Nonstimulant Medications for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Nevena V. Radonjic et al., May 2023, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-023-01005-8

DailyMed, Label: Qelbree- viloxazine hydrochloride capsule extended release, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=aedf408d-0f84-418d-9416-7c39ddb0d29a

drugs.com, Qelbree User Reviews and Ratings, https://www.drugs.com/comments/viloxazine/qelbree.html?page=2

IQVIA Government Solutions, Inc., Stimulant Prescription Trends in the United States from 2012-2022, Aug. 2023, https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/stimulants/IQVIA_Report_on_Stimulant_Trends_from_2012-2022.pdf

Reddit.com, r/ADHD, https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/

StatPearls Publishing, Physiology- Noradrenergic synapse, Laila S. Hussain et al., updated May 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540977/

StatPearls Publishing, Viloxazine, Blesson M. Matthew and Mark V. Pellegrini, updated Aug. 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576423/

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Qelbree, https://www.qelbree.com/adults

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Sign up for a savings card and get support, https://www.qelbree.com/pediatrics/adhd-support-and-savings

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Drug Trials Snapshots: Qelbree, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trials-snapshots-qelbree
How we review this article: This article went through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author. Learn more about the editorial and medical review process and standards for the HelloKlarity site.

*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.