Also known as: viloxazine ER (generic)
Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication approved by the FDA for adults in 2021. It works by modulating norepinephrine and serotonin, providing around-the-clock coverage once it reaches steady state. ADHDose tracks your daily patterns on Qelbree so you and your prescriber can see whether the medication is reaching full effect.
Qelbree works through a different mechanism from stimulant ADHD medications. While stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse increase dopamine directly and take effect within hours, Qelbree primarily modulates norepinephrine reuptake with additional activity on serotonin receptors. This means the therapeutic effect builds gradually over days to weeks rather than appearing on the first day.
There is no daily rise-and-fall curve. Once Qelbree reaches steady state, it provides continuous coverage. There is no peak, no wear-off window, and no daily wind-down timing to manage. For some people, this steady coverage is exactly what they need, particularly if stimulants caused problematic peaks and crashes.
Both are non-stimulant ADHD medications, but they are pharmacologically distinct. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a pure norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Qelbree combines norepinephrine reuptake inhibition with activity at serotonin receptors, including 5-HT2A antagonism and 5-HT2B agonism.
In practice, this means they may have different side effect profiles and different patterns of effectiveness. Some people who did not respond to atomoxetine may respond to Qelbree, and vice versa. Your prescriber will consider your history with other medications when deciding between them.
Qelbree also tends to reach steady state somewhat faster than atomoxetine (2 to 4 weeks vs 4 to 6 weeks), though individual response varies.
Non-stimulant medications are typically considered when stimulants are ineffective, cause significant side effects, or are clinically unsuitable. Common reasons for choosing a non-stimulant include substance use history, cardiovascular concerns, intolerable stimulant side effects, or co-occurring anxiety where stimulants made anxiety worse.
Qelbree may also be preferred in situations where the serotonergic activity provides additional benefit, for example when mood symptoms are prominent alongside ADHD.
As with other non-stimulants, the first weeks on Qelbree require patience and tracking. You may notice subtle changes before the medication reaches full effect. Common early side effects include nausea, fatigue, decreased appetite, and insomnia. These often settle within the first 1 to 2 weeks.
The recommended starting dose for adults is 200mg once daily, increasing to 400mg after one week. Some prescribers increase further to 600mg based on response. Taking Qelbree with food may reduce nausea.
Tracking matters most in the early weeks. The change on Qelbree is gradual. By week 3, you may not remember how week 1 felt. ADHDose captures your daily focus, sleep, and mood so that when you see your prescriber for your review, you have data showing whether the medication is making a measurable difference.
Because Qelbree provides continuous coverage, ADHDose does not model a daily concentration curve. Instead, the app focuses on what matters most during non-stimulant treatment: tracking your daily focus, mood, sleep, and side effects over the weeks it takes to reach full effect.
After 14 days, the Insights tab begins showing trends. After 28 days, the report compares your first fortnight to your second, giving you and your prescriber clear data on whether the medication is working. This is the evidence base that makes your review appointment productive.
See how your focus, sleep, and mood change over the weeks as Qelbree builds to full effect. Data for your prescriber, not guesswork.
Download free →This page is for informational purposes only. ADHDose is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your prescribing doctor or specialist before making changes to your medication.