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FAQs on Qelbree and ADHD

Find answers to frequently asked questions.

Qelbree Profile

Qelbree is a once-daily sprinkleable capsule that treats ADHD in patients ages 6 years and older.1

See how it works 

Qelbree is the only ADHD treatment with serotonin (5-HT2C) receptor pharmacodynamics approved in the FDA product labeling.1-8*

  • As outlined in section 12.2 of the Prescribing Information, viloxazine binds to and inhibits the norepinephrine transporter (Ki=0.13 μM)1
  • In addition, viloxazine binds to and exhibits partial agonist activity at the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor (Ki=0.66 μM)1

See pharmacodynamics 

*Clinical significance is unknown.

The most common adverse reactions for children and adolescents (occurring at ≥5% and at least twice the placebo rate for any dose) were somnolence, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and irritability. And in adults, insomnia, headache, somnolence, fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, dry mouth, and constipation. These are not all the possible side effects of Qelbree. Please refer to the full Prescribing Information.1

Adverse reactions 

Qelbree is the first ADHD treatment to meet its postmarketing requirement following the 2019 FDA guidance on clinical lactation studies.1

In a study involving 15 healthy lactating women, it was shown that the transfer of viloxazine into breast milk is low. This study did not specifically evaluate the effects of viloxazine on breastfed infants or milk production, nor are there additional data regarding these effects.1

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered, along with the mother’s clinical need for Qelbree and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Qelbree or from the underlying maternal condition.1 Consider the available data when discussing treatment options with your patients, and to make individualized decisions based on each patient’s unique circumstances.

See more about lactation 

Once-daily Qelbree shows no evidence of abuse potential or dependence—minimizing the risk of misuse and diversion.1,11,12

Adverse reactions 

Store Qelbree capsules at room temperature 68-77 °F (excursions permitted between 59-86 °F) and 20-25 °C (excursions permitted between 15-30 °C). Keep Qelbree and all medicines out of reach of children.1

Prescribing Qelbree

100 mg: yellow, opaque body and cap (printed “SPN” on the cap, “100” on the body)1

150 mg: lavender, opaque body and cap (printed “SPN” on the cap, “150” on the body)1

200 mg: light green, opaque body and cap (printed “SPN” on the cap, “200” on the body)1

Capsules shown are not actual size.

See inside the novel, nonstimulant approach to ADHD 

  • Children (6-11 years): Start at 100 mg/day and titrate Qelbree 100 mg weekly as needed over 1-3 weeks to optimize ADHD symptom control. Maximum daily dose is 400 mg/day.1
  • Teens (12-17 years): Start at 200 mg/day and titrate Qelbree 200 mg weekly as needed over 1 week to optimize ADHD symptom control. Maximum daily dose is 400 mg/day.1
  • Adults (18-65 years): Start at 200 mg/day and titrate Qelbree 200 mg weekly as needed over 1-2 weeks to optimize ADHD symptom control. Maximum daily dose is 600 mg/day.1

    • Titrate depending on response and tolerability.

    Review more dosing information 

Qelbree is a non-stimulant medication indicated for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients 6 years and older.1

See patients for whom Qelbree may be a good fit 

It is important to set expectations early so patients do not prematurely abandon treatment. Qelbree is a nonstimulant.1 Patients should understand that Qelbree has a gradual onset to build in the body.10 It may take a few weeks of adjusting their dosage to find the optimal dose for them.

Healthcare providers should check in with patients regularly to evaluate the need for any dosing adjustments based on response and tolerability.

See more on weekly dosing 

Qelbree can be taken with or without food, whole, or the entire contents can be sprinkled over a spoonful (teaspoon or tablespoon) of pudding or applesauce for those patients who have difficulty swallowing pills. Consume the entire pudding mixture within 15 minutes or the entire applesauce mixture within 2 hours, without chewing. Do not store for future use. Capsules and their contents should not be cut, crushed, or chewed.1

See more on dosing 

Ask your patients about their medical conditions, including if they:

  • Have, or their family has, a history of suicide, bipolar disorder, depression, mania, or hypomania
  • Have severe kidney disease or dysfunction. Their dose of Qelbree and/or other medicines may need to be reduced
  • Are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Ask your patients about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Taking Qelbree with certain other medicines may cause side effects or affect how well they work.

Do not administer Qelbree if patients also take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 14 days of discontinuation of an MAOI (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) or take medications that are sensitive CYP1A2 substrates or CYP1A2 substrates with a narrow therapeutic range (e.g., alosetron, duloxetine, ramelteon, tasimelteon, tizanidine, theophylline).

Do not administer Qelbree if patients are allergic to any of the ingredients in Qelbree. You can direct your patients to the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Qelbree.

Assess heart rate and blood pressure prior to initiating treatment with Qelbree, following increases in dosage, and periodically while on therapy.

Learn more about diagnosing ADHD 

Accessibility and Affordability

Qelbree offers a savings card for your patients to help make their prescriptions more affordable. Commercially insured patients pay as little as $20 per prescription.*

Coverage extends to ~75% of commercially insured patients.†

*Terms and conditions apply.

†Source: MMIT, as of February 2026.

Get your patient a Qelbree Savings Card 

If your patient does require prior authorization, CoverMyMeds® lets you streamline and automate your prior authorization process to help your office submit requests. CoverMyMeds is 100% free to all healthcare providers.

See more about CoverMyMeds 

Qelbree is not a controlled medication and can be conveniently refilled without the need for new prescriptions each month. You may even be able to prescribe a 90-day supply.1

Learn more about starting your patients on Qelbree 

Yes. Qelbree is a nonstimulant and not a controlled substance that may be prescribed via both telehealth and in-person appointments.

Learn more about starting your patients on Qelbree 

Abbreviation: ADHD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION

Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release capsules) is indicated for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

In clinical studies, higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors were reported in [read more] patients with ADHD treated with Qelbree than in patients treated with placebo. Closely monitor all Qelbree-treated patients for clinical worsening and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

In clinical studies, higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors were reported in patients with ADHD treated with Qelbree than in patients treated with placebo. Closely monitor all [read more] Qelbree-treated patients for clinical worsening and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Concomitant administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or dosing within 14 days after discontinuing an MAOI, because of an increased risk of hypertensive crisis
  • Concomitant administration of sensitive CYP1A2 substrates or CYP1A2 substrates with a narrow therapeutic range

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Closely monitor all Qelbree-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy, and at times of dosage changes
  • Heart rate, blood pressure increases: Qelbree can cause an increase in diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Assess these measures prior to starting therapy, following increases in dosage, and periodically during therapy
  • Activation of mania or hypomania: Noradrenergic drugs may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients with bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating treatment with Qelbree, screen patients to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder. Screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a personal or family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression 
  • Somnolence and fatigue: Patients should not perform activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating a motor vehicle or hazardous machinery, due to potential somnolence (including sedation or lethargy) and fatigue, until they know how they will be affected by Qelbree 

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo for any dose) in patients 6 to 17 years were somnolence, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and irritability, and in adults, insomnia, headache, somnolence, fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, dry mouth, and constipation. 

PREGNANCY

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to Qelbree during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or by visiting www.womensmentalhealth.org/preg. 

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.

References:

1. Qelbree [package insert]. Rockville, MD: Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
2. Adderall XR [package insert]. Horsham, PA: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA.
3. Ritalin [package insert]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
4. Strattera [package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Lilly USA, LLC.
5. Intuniv [package insert]. Lexington, MA: Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A.
6. Simtriyo [package insert]. Rockville, MD: Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. U.S.A.
7. Clonidine extended release tablets: package insert / prescribing info. Drugs.com. Updated December 13, 2025. Accessed Sept 01, 2026. https://www.drugs.com/pro/clonidine-extended-release-tablets.html
8. Arnsten AFT. The emerging neurobiology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: the key role of the prefrontal association cortex. J Pediatr. 2009;154(5):I-S43. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.01.018
9. Nasser A, Liranso T, Adewole T, et al. A phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of once-daily SPN-812 (viloxazine extended-release) in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in school-age children. Clin Ther. 2020;42(8):1452-1466. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.05.021
10. Data on file, Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
11. Key prescription stimulant label updates. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. May 11, 2023. Accessed Sept 01, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/media/168050/download
12. Yanagita T, Wakasa Y, Kiyohara H. Drug dependence potential of viloxazine hydrochloride tested in rhesus monkeys. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1980;12(1):155-161. doi:10.1016/0091-3057(80)90430-x

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION

Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release capsules) is indicated for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

In clinical studies, higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors were reported in [read more] patients with ADHD treated with Qelbree than in patients treated with placebo. Closely monitor all Qelbree-treated patients for clinical worsening and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

In clinical studies, higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors were reported in patients with ADHD treated with Qelbree than in patients treated with placebo. Closely monitor all [read more] Qelbree-treated patients for clinical worsening and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Concomitant administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or dosing within 14 days after discontinuing an MAOI, because of an increased risk of hypertensive crisis
  • Concomitant administration of sensitive CYP1A2 substrates or CYP1A2 substrates with a narrow therapeutic range

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Closely monitor all Qelbree-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy, and at times of dosage changes
  • Heart rate, blood pressure increases: Qelbree can cause an increase in diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Assess these measures prior to starting therapy, following increases in dosage, and periodically during therapy
  • Activation of mania or hypomania: Noradrenergic drugs may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients with bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating treatment with Qelbree, screen patients to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder. Screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a personal or family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression 
  • Somnolence and fatigue: Patients should not perform activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating a motor vehicle or hazardous machinery, due to potential somnolence (including sedation or lethargy) and fatigue, until they know how they will be affected by Qelbree 

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo for any dose) in patients 6 to 17 years were somnolence, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and irritability, and in adults, insomnia, headache, somnolence, fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, dry mouth, and constipation. 

PREGNANCY

There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to Qelbree during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or by visiting www.womensmentalhealth.org/preg. 

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.