Qelbree side effects: risks, interactions, and more

Qelbree (viloxazine), is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s an alternative to traditional stimulant medications for ADHD like Adderall. But while it’s effective for relieving ADHD symptoms, like hyperactivity or impulsivity, it does have side effects. 

In this article, we cover the potential Qelbree side effects, so you know what to look out for or expect if you and your provider decide Qelbree is the right choice for you. 

Looking for a licensed provider who can prescribe Qelbree to treat your ADHD symptoms and help you understand and manage side effects? Find an ADHD provider on Klarity Health and have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.* 

What’s the right ADHD medication for you?

Talk to a licensed provider in 24 hours or less and find out.*

Find a provider

What kind of drug is Qelbree?

Qelbree (viloxazine hydrochloride) is a non-stimulant medication made by Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Qelbree is FDA-approved to treat ADHD symptoms.

Although Qelbree has FDA approval to treat ADHD symptoms, it’s a non-stimulant medication and doesn’t have the stimulant effects of more commonly prescribed ADHD medications like Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and similar drugs. It’s also not a controlled substance, which most stimulants are.

Qelbree is classified as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Its mechanism of action is to increase norepinephrine levels in the brain. Qelbree was originally developed as an antidepressant to lift mood.

You can recognize Qelbree viloxazine hydrochloride extended-release capsules because they have SPN 200 printed on them. Many people swallow the capsules whole, but for those who can’t, they can be broken open and taken in foods like applesauce.

What are Qelbree side effects?

Qelbree is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD. In trials, it’s been shown to be effective in managing challenging ADHD symptoms in pediatric patients (6 years of age and older), adolescents, and adult patients.

Drug trial snapshots of Qelbree from the FDA show that Qelbree is significantly more effective for ADHD than placebo at every dose level in each patient group. Occurrence of side effects and tolerability was similar among all patient groups. Still, like any medication, it has potential side effects. Being informed about these side effects is important if you and your provider are considering Qelbree as a treatment option. 

Not everyone who takes Qelbree will have side effects, and their severity varies. If you’re considering Qelbree as a treatment for ADHD or have concerns about side effects, talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance, monitor your progress, and make any needed adjustments to your dose and treatment plan.

And if you are taking Qelbree, and experience worsening side effects, reach out to your healthcare provider. 

Common Qelbree side effects for adults

The most common Qelbree ADHD side effects for adults include the following.

Insomnia

Insomnia, or trouble sleeping, is one of the most common side effects of Qelbree for adults. It goes away with time for some people, while not for others. Sleep deprivation can make ADHD symptoms worse, so talk to your provider if Qelbree starts or continues to cause insomnia even after your body has adjusted to the dosage. 

Sleepiness and tiredness

One of the most frequently reported side effects of Qelbree is sleepiness (somnolence) and tiredness. Some individuals, particularly when starting Qelbree or adjusting their dosage, experience drowsiness. It’s important to exercise caution when engaging in activities that require alertness if Qelbree makes you sleepy, such as driving or operating machinery. It’s not uncommon for sleepiness to diminish over time as your body adjusts to Qelbree.

Nausea 

Some people have nausea or discomfort in the stomach when taking Qelbree. This gastrointestinal symptom can be uncomfortable but often improves with continued use of Qelbree. Taking Qelbree with food might help reduce or prevent nausea.

Headache

Another mild side effect of Qelbree is headaches, which can happen as your body adjusts to the medication. If you have headaches that continue or hurt your ability to function, let your healthcare provider know.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth is a commonly reported side effect of taking Qelbree for ADHD. Staying well-hydrated and drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day can help alleviate dry mouth.

Decreased appetite 

Qelbree can cause decreased appetite. This can lead to a reduced desire for food, which may result in eating fewer calories. The decreased appetite associated with Qelbree may contribute to potential weight management benefits or problems for some individuals.

Constipation

Adults who take Qelbree may experience constipation on top of other gastrointestinal issues, like nausea and decreased appetite. Constipation can also occur when stopping treatment with Qelbree.

Worsened anxiety

For individuals with ADHD who also struggle with anxiety, anxiety treatment options are available. Qelbree offers an alternative to stimulant medications, which can increase anxiety in some people. But, while Qelbree is designed to minimize the risk of increasing anxiety symptoms, there have been instances where people reported increased anxiety as a side effect of taking it. 

If you experience heightened anxiety while taking Qelbree, contact your healthcare provider. They may need to adjust your dosage or look at an alternative medication.

Upper respiratory tract infection

Clinical trials and patient reports found that some people taking Qelbree experienced symptoms consistent with respiratory infections, such as a sore throat, nasal congestion, or a runny nose. While these symptoms are typically mild to moderate, they can be bothersome. 

If you’re taking Qelbree, monitor yourself for signs of respiratory issues and consult your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or get worse to make sure any complications are quickly addressed.

Serious Quelbree ADHD side effects

In addition to the common and mild side effects listed above, Qelbree also carries the risk of more serious side effects that may make it difficult or dangerous to continue taking it. If you notice any of these serious side effects, let your healthcare provider know immediately. 

Increased blood pressure and heart rate

Qelbree can cause an increase in heart rate in some people, including children and adults. If you already have high blood pressure, your doctor may monitor your symptoms before and while taking Qelbree, or recommend another medication altogether. 

Irritability and/or manic episodes

For some people, taking Qelbree causes fluctuations in mood and behavior, which may include heightened irritability or alterations in how they conduct themselves. It can also cause manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. 

If you have any of the following symptoms while taking Qelbree, contact your healthcare provider: 

• Significantly increased energy
• Racing thoughts
• Unusually grand ideas
• Talking more or faster than usual
• Significant trouble sleeping
• Reckless behavior
• Feeling excessively happy or irritable

Always maintain transparent and ongoing communication with your healthcare provider, and contact them immediately if you have any notable shifts in mood or behavior.

Qelbree ADHD side effects in adults vs children

Qelbree is approved to treat ADHD in both adults and children above the age of 6. Most of the Qelbree side effects that affect adults also affect children.  

The most common side effects of Qelbree for children and teens aged 6 to 17 include:

• Sleepiness and tiredness
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping

Adults can also experience many of these side effects. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the most common Qelbree side effects for adults and for children.

How long do Qelbree side effects last?

The duration of side effects for Qelbree isn’t uniform and can vary from person to person. Some people can experience side effects when they first start taking Qelbree, with side effects gradually improving or disappearing with continued use. For example, drowsiness or nausea may be more pronounced when first beginning Qelbree but may not bother you over time as your body adapts to it.

Not all side effects follow the same pattern. Some side effects may persist, while others may resolve quickly.

If you experience side effects that last or are particularly concerning, talk to your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your specific situation, monitor your progress, and offer guidance on how to manage or mitigate any side effects that may affect you.

What to know before using Qelbree

Before you start to take Qelbree, it’s important to be aware of its general prescribing information, most common side effects, contraindications and possible drug interactions, and other critical details. Your healthcare provider is the best place to start when it comes to answering these questions.

Qelbree warnings

Like many other antidepressant medications, Qelbree comes with a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts. In studies, around 0.9% of children and 1.6% of adults treated with Qelbree reported suicidal thoughts, behaviors, or both. If you take Qelbree and notice yourself having thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm, tell your therapist or psychiatrist right away. 

Qelbree drug interactions 

Certain drug interactions can alter how Qelbree works in your body. In some cases, these interactions can heighten the effects of Qelbree, leading to an increased risk of side effects or adverse reactions. Interactions with other medications may also diminish the intended effects of Qelbree, potentially reducing its effectiveness in managing ADHD symptoms.

Some of the medications that can interact with Qelbree include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of antidepressant. You don’t want to take Qelbree if you’ve taken an MAOI medication in the past 2 weeks. The interaction between the 2 medications can cause life-threatening complications.
• Sensitive CYP1A2 substrates or CYP1A2 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic range: These are medications that can be broken down by certain enzymes in the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2, or CYP1A2). The active ingredient in Qelbree inhibits this enzyme, so you don’t take these types of medications while on Qelbree.

To ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment, give your healthcare provider a list of all the medications and supplements you take. They can then assess potential interactions and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan to optimize your ADHD management.

The benefits of using Qelbree to treat ADHD symptoms

Qelbree is shown to be effective in improving the lives of people dealing with ADHD by addressing key symptoms. Several randomized controlled trials found Qelbree to significantly reduce ADHD symptoms for children aged 6 to 11, teens aged 12 to 17, and adults aged 18 to 65. The studies found that Qelbree was effective regardless of race and sex.

Some of the benefits associated with using Qelbree as a treatment for ADHD include:

• Improved focus: Qelbree enhances the ability to concentrate and maintain attention, a crucial aspect of managing ADHD. Individuals may find it easier to stay engaged in tasks and activities that require sustained focus.
• Enhanced impulse control: Impulsivity is a common symptom of ADHD. Qelbree may help you exercise better control over your impulses and make it easier to think before acting.
• Reduced hyperactivity: Another hallmark of ADHD is hyperactivity. Qelbree can help reduce hyperactive behaviors, so you can function more calmly and effectively in your daily life.

It’s important to note that the benefits of Qelbree vary among individuals. Response to medication is individualized, and what works well for one person may not for another. Discuss your specific needs and goals with your healthcare provider. Together, you can decide whether Qelbree is an appropriate treatment option and set realistic expectations for the improvement of your ADHD symptoms.

What to talk to your doctor about when considering Qelbree

If you’re considering using Qelbree, there are a few key things to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Medical history: share any personal or family history of heart problems, high blood pressure, liver issues, or kidney disease. Also, mention if you’ve ever had mental health issues like depression, bipolar disorder, hypomania, or suicidal thoughts.

Current medications: provide a list of all prescription drugs, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you’re taking. Qelbree can interact with other medications, especially antidepressants or drugs that affect the central nervous system (CNS). Some medications are known to be contraindicated for use with Qelbree, including theophylline, tizanidine, alosetron, duloxetine, tasimelteon, and ramelteon.

Pregnancy/breastfeeding: tell our provider if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Qelbree’s effects on pregnancy and nursing aren’t fully understood.

Allergies: Mention any known allergies to medications or substances you have.

Substance use history: even though Qelbree has a low abuse potential compared to stimulant ADHD treatment options like amphetamine and methylphenidate, tell your provider about any history of substance use you have. 

Explore ADHD treatment with Qelbree 

If you’re considering Qelbree as a treatment for your ADHD or have questions about its benefits and potential side effects, talk to your healthcare provider. You can find licensed providers for initial consultation and ongoing follow-ups online or in person on Klarity Health.

Don’t wait. Find a provider on Klarity Health today to learn if Qelbree is right for you.