Qelbree Dosing: Form, Strengths, How to Take, & More

What Is Qelbree & How Is It Used?

Qelbree is a non-stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages 6 and older. It contains the active ingredient viloxazine hydrochloride, which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The mechanism of action is unclear, but it is thought to inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine by binding to the norepinephrine transporter, which helps to improve symptoms of ADHD.¹

Medications for ADHD are categorized into two drug classes, stimulant medications (such as Adderall, Ritalin, etc.) and nonstimulant medications. While stimulants are commonly used and may be effective treatments for some patients, they are not suitable for everyone with ADHD. Stimulant medications are controlled substances that have a risk of dependence and tolerance.

Nonstimulants, such as Qelbree, may be effective alternatives for patients who have experienced side effects or have little to no response to stimulants. Nonstimulants may be a better option for patients who have a history of substance use. They may also be a safer option for patients with heart conditions or tic disorders.

Qelbree Forms & Strengths

Qelbree is prescribed for ADHD, and it comes in extended-release capsules that are available in three dosage strengths: 100 mg, 150 mg, or 200 mg. Choosing the appropriate dosage depends on the individual’s age and response to the medication. The initial starting dose for children ages 6 to 11 is 100 mg once daily, and this dose can be increased by 100 mg a week every week until the effective dose has been reached. The maximum dose is 400 mg once daily.

For adolescents ages 12 to 17, the initial starting dose is 200 mg once daily, which can be increased by 200 mg after 1 week if needed to reach an effective dose. The maximum dose is 400 mg once daily.

For adults 18 years of age and older, the initial starting dose is 200 mg once daily, which can be increased by 200 mg a week as needed to reach an effective dose. The maximum dose for adults is 600 mg daily. For patients with severe kidney impairment, the initial starting dose may need to be reduced to 100 mg, increased to 100 mg weekly with a maximum dose of 200 mg once daily.

• Capsules may be swallowed whole. They should not be cut, crushed, or chewed.
• Capsules may be split open, and contents can be mixed in with a spoonful (teaspoon or tablespoon) of soft food such as pudding or applesauce.

Qelbree is available in the following forms and strengths:¹

• 100 milligram (mg) extended-release capsule
• 150 milligram (mg) extended-release capsule
• 200 milligram (mg) extended-release capsule

How to Take Qelbree

Qelbree can be swallowed whole, or the contents of the capsules may be sprinkled on soft food such as pudding or applesauce. Qelbree is to be taken once daily around the same time each day to ensure consistent concentration and efficacy in the body.¹

Capsules can be taken with or without food to minimize side effects such as upset stomach. Capsules and their contents should not be cut, crushed, or chewed. If mixed with soft food, it should be consumed immediately. If mixed with pudding, it should be consumed within 15 minutes. If mixed with applesauce, it should be consumed within 2 hours without chewing. To ensure safety and efficacy, medications should be taken exactly as prescribed.¹

Qelbree Dosage for Adults With ADHD

Qelbree is FDA-approved for treating adults with ADHD symptoms.

Here is Qelbree dosage information for adults with ADHD:¹

• Typical starting dosage: Qelbree is started at 200 mg once daily.
• Dosage increases:  The dose is increased by 200 mg once daily per week over the course of 1-2 weeks as needed until an effective dose is reached.
• Maximum dosage:  The maximum dose for adults is 600 mg daily.

Qelbree Dosage for Adolescents & Children With ADHD

Qelbree is FDA-approved as a treatment for children with ADHD symptoms

Here is Qelbree dosage information for adolescents and children with ADHD:¹

• Typical starting dosage: Starting dose for children ages 6 to 11 is 100 mg once daily. The starting dose for adolescents ages 12 to 17 is 200 mg once daily.
• Dosage increases:  For children, doses may be increased by 100 mg once daily per week over 1-3 weeks until an effective dose is reached. For adolescents, doses may be increased to 200 mg once daily per week as needed until an effective dose is reached.
• Maximum dosage:  The maximum dose for children and adolescents is 400 mg once daily.

Factors That Can Affect Qelbree Dosage

Qelbree dosing may be affected by aspects unique to each patient, although the severity of symptoms is not a factor.

Factors that can affect Qelbree dosage include:

• Age
• Severity of symptoms
• Response to the medication
• Severe kidney impairment

Ultimately, a healthcare provider will help to determine the best dosage for any patient. It is important to take Qelbree exactly as prescribed.

Qelbree Dosage Restrictions

Qelbree is eliminated from the body by the kidneys, so the dosage for patients with severe kidney impairment may need to be adjusted. The recommended starting dose for patients with severe kidney impairment is 100 mg once daily. It can be increased in weekly increments of 50 to 100 mg once a day to a maximum recommended dose of 200 mg once daily.¹

Why Getting the Qelbree Dosage Correct Is Important

Prescribers will work with patients to determine the correct Qelbree dosage. To reduce risk and potentially limit side effects, patients are typically given the lowest dose possible that can still effectively treat their symptoms.

There are risks involved when taking medications, which increase with higher dosage. The correct dosage should be effective enough to manage symptoms without causing adverse effects. Taking medications as prescribed can reduce the risk of potentially unsafe adverse effects or interactions with other medications. Talk to your prescriber to make sure you understand how to take your medication correctly.

What if I Miss a Dose of Qelbree?

Medications are most effective when taken around the same time each day to build a steady concentration in the body. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Never take two doses of Qelbree to make up for the missed dose.

*You should never suddenly stop taking your medication. Talk with your healthcare provider if you would like to stop taking your medication. They will help you create a plan to taper (slowly reduce) the medication.

Can You Overdose on Qelbree?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Qelbree. This can occur if you take more Qelbree than is prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Signs of an overdose of Qelbree include:¹

• Drowsiness
• Impaired consciousness
• Diminished reflexes
• Increased heart rate

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Qelbree?

There is no specific antidote for Qelbree overdose, but symptom management and supportive treatment can help. If you believe you’ve had a Qelbree overdose, seek immediate medical care. You may also contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or www.poison.org or call 9-1-1.

Qelbree Dosage FAQs

Patients may have questions about their Qelbree dosage and how it may affect them. Providers can help patients get clarity on their dosage and how to take their medication correctly.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Qelbree dosage:

How Long Does it Take a Dose of Qelbree to Work?

This medication needs time to build up in the body, it may take up to 6 weeks for the patient to feel the full effects. For some children, it was noted that symptoms had improved as early as 1 week.¹

How Long Does a Dose of Qelbree Last?

Qelbree is an extended-release medication that is to be taken once daily enough to last the majority of the waking hours in a day. The concentration of Qelbree in the body peaks at about 5 hours but this time can range from 3-9 hours depending on different factors.¹

Can I Take My Dose of Qelbree at Night?

Qelbree should be taken during the time of day in which an individual needs their symptoms to be managed best so they can function. For most individuals who have tasks and responsibilities to be done during the day, it’s best to take Qelbree during the day.

How Will I Know If the Medication Is Working?

When first meeting with your doctor, symptoms will be evaluated without medication. Your doctor will start you at a lower dose and gradually increase the dosage. They may advise you to use some form of measurement to help with evaluation. For example, a student may be able to focus on class lectures for 15 minutes at baseline. When taking Qelbree, that student may be able to sustain their attention for up to 2 hours at a time.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Qelbree Dosage

When beginning treatment, patients may have questions for their primary physician or psychiatrist about their Qelbree dosage. If seeking a new prescriber, online psychiatry services may be an option to consider.

Questions to ask your care team about Qelbree dosage include:

• How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Qelbree?
• Am I at risk for more serious side effects if I am already taking other anxiety /depression medications?
• What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects?
• Is there anything I should tell my therapist about this new medication?

• How do I know if I need medications?
• Should I be on a stimulant or non-stimulant?
• What are the differences between stimulant and nonstimulant medications?
• Are there other ways to manage symptoms besides medications?
• What side effects should I expect when taking this medication?
• How do I manage those side effects if they were to happen?
• Does this medication interact with other food, medications, or substances that I take?
• How long do I need to be on this medication?
• How does dosage for Qelbree vs. Strattera compare?