Jeffrey Panko NP Psychiatry · Patient education
Viloxazine
Qelbree / Extended-release ADHD capsules
A guide for adults taking viloxazine.
Follow the directions on your prescription and your provider's recommendations.
Formulations: Qelbree extended-release capsules are taken once daily. They are different from historical immediate-release viloxazine used as an antidepressant in other countries.
What it is used for
Extended-release viloxazine treats ADHD in adults and children aged six and older. This guide is for adults. It is a nonstimulant and is not a U.S. controlled substance.
How it works
It inhibits norepinephrine reuptake and affects related signaling. Attention and impulse-control benefit can take several weeks to assess.
What to expect over time
Review ADHD symptoms and practical functioning over several weeks. Early sleepiness or insomnia may require adjustments rather than extra doses.
Taking your medication
- Take once daily, with or without food. Do not crush or chew.
- If needed, open the capsule onto applesauce or pudding and swallow all contents without chewing. Use applesauce within two hours or pudding within 15 minutes.
- Do not divide capsule contents or double a missed dose.
- Follow the prescribed dose increases and contact your provider if pregnancy occurs.
When to get help
Emergency symptoms. Get emergency care for chest pain, collapse, a seizure, or severe allergic breathing difficulty.
Prompt medical advice. Contact your provider immediately for worsening depression, suicidal thinking, marked agitation, mania, or persistent palpitations.
If you feel unsafe or have thoughts of self-harm, call 911 or go to an emergency department.
Possible side effects
- Insomnia or sleepiness
- Headache, fatigue, or nausea
- Reduced appetite, dry mouth, or constipation
- Increased pulse or blood pressure
Keeping track of treatment
Some side effects resolve with time; others may require a change of medication. Discuss persistent or bothersome side effects with your provider.
Have pulse and blood pressure checked before treatment, after dose increases, and periodically. Monitor mood and behavior closely: the suicidal-thoughts warning includes adults as well as children.
If you take too much
For a suspected overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, even if you feel well. Call 911 for a seizure, collapse, trouble breathing, or inability to wake.
Before you start
Discuss bipolar symptoms, depression, suicidal thinking, heart or blood-pressure problems, and kidney disease. U.S. labeling recommends discontinuation when pregnancy is recognized; contact your provider promptly for a plan. Discuss breastfeeding.
Medicines and interactions
Review all your medications with your provider, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Have new medications checked before taking them.
Do not use with MAOIs or within 14 days after one. Qelbree strongly inhibits CYP1A2; combinations with certain sensitive or narrow-range medicines are contraindicated.
Examples needing particular review include tizanidine, theophylline, duloxetine, ramelteon, and tasimelteon. Caffeine effects can become stronger or longer-lasting.
Everyday tips
Track attention, task completion, sleep, and appetite.
Have new medicines checked before the first dose.
Your questions answered
Does nonstimulant mean no monitoring?
No. Mood, blood pressure, pulse, and interactions still need review.
Can I keep my usual caffeine intake?
Discuss it. Caffeine may affect you more strongly during treatment.
Storage and safety
Keep medication in its labeled container, away from excess heat and moisture and out of reach of children and pets. Do not share it. Ask a pharmacy about disposal of unused medication.
Sources
About this information
Educational handout; does not replace your prescription or provider's recommendations.
Educational inclusion does not mean this medication or its indications are treated at this practice. Review the guide for your exact product with your prescriber or pharmacist.