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Viloxazine

Generic name: viloxazine [ vye-LOX-a-zeen ]
Brand name: Qelbree
Dosage form: oral capsule, extended release (100 mg; 150 mg; 200 mg)
Drug class: Adrenergic uptake inhibitors for ADHD

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 15, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is viloxazine?

Viloxazine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children 6 to 17 years old.

Viloxazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Viloxazine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of a manic episode:

Viloxazine can affect weight in children. Tell your doctor if your child loses weight or is not gaining weight at a normal rate.

Common side effects of viloxazine may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking viloxazine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Before taking this medicine

Some drugs should not be used with viloxazine. Your treatment plan may change if you also use:

Do not use viloxazine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has ever had:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

viloxazine may be harmful when taken during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of viloxazine on the baby and the mother.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

How should I take viloxazine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take viloxazine with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and mix the medicine with applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing.

Your heart rate and blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Viloxazine dosing information

Usual Pediatric Dose for Attention Deficit Disorder:

6 to 11 years:
Initial dose: 100 mg orally once a day
-May titrate in increments of 100 mg per week based on response and tolerability
Maximum dose: 400 mg/day

12 to 17 years:
Initial dose: 200 mg orally once a day
-After 1 week, may titrate to 400 mg once a day based on response and tolerability
Maximum dose: 400 mg/day

Comments:
-Assess heart rate and blood pressure prior to initiating treatment.
-Screen patients for a personal or family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression prior to initiating treatment.
-Pharmacologic treatment for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be needed for extended periods; periodically reevaluate and adjust dosage as needed.

Use: For the treatment of ADHD in pediatric patients 6 years or older.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking viloxazine?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how viloxazine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect viloxazine?

Other drugs may affect viloxazine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Popular FAQ

Qelbree works in as little as 1 to 2 weeks with trials showing significant reductions in ADHD symptoms in children aged 6 to 11 years by 1 week, and those aged 12 to 17 years by week 2. Mean changes in baseline ADHD-RS-5 Total Scores of -16 to -17.7 to were reported across 3 studies after 6 weeks.

Qelbree is an extended-release tablet and one single daily dose provides 24-hour coverage.

In some people, Qelbree reduces the frequency and severity of ADHD symptoms (including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity) in as little as 1 week. Clinical trials have reported a significant reduction in ADHD symptoms scores:

  • At 1 week for children aged 6 thru 11 years taking 100mg and 200mg doses
  • At 2 weeks for adolescents aged 12 thru 17 years taking 400mg doses.

Some patients may take up to 6 weeks to respond to Qelbree.

Qelbree is taken once a day and lasts for 24 hours. It is usually prescribed for months to years, although you can ask your doctor for a trial off medication at any time to see if you can manage without it.

Qelbree and Strattera are both oral nonstimulant medicines shown in clinical studies to be effective in treating ADHD in children 6 years and older and adults. They are not controlled substances. Strattera is available as generic option known as atomoxetine, which may save you money. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.