What is Qelbree: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Sep 30, 2025  •  Published Jun 1, 2021

Qelbree is a brand-name prescription drug used by doctors as a non-stimulant alternative to treat ADHD. Qelbree works in much the same way as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Qelbree capsules are taken once daily with or without food.

Qelbree overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Qelbree

Generic Names:

  • Viloxazine

Uses:

  • Treats ADHD

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), central nervous system agent

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Qelbree used for?

The FDA has approved Qelbree as a treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

What form(s) does Qelbree come in

  • Capsule

    • 100 mg

    • 150 mg

    • 200 mg

What are common Qelbree doses?

  • For ADHD:

    • In adults: 200–600 mg taken once daily

    • In children 12–17 years of age: 200–400 mg taken once daily

    • In children 6–11 years of age: 100–400 mg taken once daily

Common Qelbree prescriptions

  • Qelbree
    100mg capsule extended release 24 hour

  • Qelbree
    150mg capsule extended release 24 hour

  • Qelbree
    200mg capsule extended release 24 hour

How to take Qelbree

  • Follow all the prescriber’s instructions.

  • Please read the Medication Guide that comes with the capsules.

  • Take only one dose daily without regard to food.

  • Swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water. Do not crush, chew, or cut the capsule.

  • If a patient cannot swallow a capsule, open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a teaspoonful or tablespoonful of pudding or applesauce.

    • Take or administer the mixture within 15 minutes (pudding) or two hours (applesauce).

    • Do not chew the mixture.

    • Do not store the mixture.

  • Store Qelbree capsules at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Qelbree

  • Talk to the prescriber about what to do in case a dose is missed.

  • Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Qelbree contraindications

  • Qelbree is contraindicated for concomitant use with certain types of drugs, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and some drugs that interfere with the body’s metabolism of viloxazine.

Qelbree warnings

  • Tell other doctors or healthcare professionals that you or your child is taking Qelbree. 

  • Qelbree treatment requires regular doctor visits, blood pressure checks, and weight checks. Keep all appointments.

  • Before starting Qelbree, tell the doctor about all medical conditions, including:

    • Any history of suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts

    • Any history or family history of bipolar disorder, depression, mania, or hypomania

    • Blood pressure problems

    • Heart rate problems

    • Severe kidney problems

  • Immediately tell the prescriber if you know or suspect that you or a child taking Qelbree is pregnant.

  • Viloxazine increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. The risk is higher at the start of therapy or whenever the dose changes. Call a doctor immediately if you notice mood or behavior changes such as:

    • Suicidal thoughts or plans

    • Suicide attempts

    • New or worsening depression

    • New or worsening anxiety

    • Panic attacks

    • Agitation

    • Sleeplessness

    • Hostility

    • Unusual increase in activity

    • Acting on reckless impulses

    • Other unusual changes in mood or behavior

  • Qelbree can cause other serious problems, including:

    • Increased blood pressure

    • Increased heart rate

    • Manic episodes

    • Weight changes

  • Qelbree can make patients sleepy or tired. 

    • Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep Qelbree capsules out of the reach of children.

Qelbree interactions

  • Do not take Qelbree with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). 

    • MAOI doses must be stopped 14 days before taking a Qelbree dose.

    • Qelbree must be stopped at least 14 days before taking a MAOI dose.

  • Qelbree should never be taken with the following drugs:

    • Alosetron

    • Duloxetine

    • Ramelteon

    • Tasimelteon

    • Tizanidine

    • Theophylline

  • Before taking Qelbree, tell the doctor about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being used.

    • Tell other healthcare professionals about Qelbree before they prescribe new medications.

Qelbree side effects

Serious side effects

Talk to a healthcare provider or get medical help if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Thoughts of hurting oneself or others, unusual mood changes, unusual behaviors, worsening depression, worsening anxiety, insomnia, panic, aggression, hostility, acting on dangerous impulses

  • Greatly increased energy, excessive happiness, severe sleeplessness, racing thoughts, talking more than usual, talking faster than usual, reckless behaviors

Less serious side effects

  • Sleepiness

  • Tiredness

  • Insomnia

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Decreased appetite

  • Irritability

  • Dry mouth

  • Constipation

Sources:

Subscribe to our savings newsletter

Health education, drug info, wellness & more

By clicking 'Subscribe', I agree to SingleCare's Terms & Conditions.