Qelbree 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. 

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.

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.