Rankings / Cognitive — Prescription Stimulants
Viloxazine (Qelbree)
Cognitive · Non-stimulant ADHD / norepinephrine-serotonin modulator
Tier B+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Viloxazine (Qelbree) as B+ (7.2/10) based on strong evidence, moderate benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.
Supernus's Qelbree (SPN-812) — a re-engineered extended-release of viloxazine, an old European antidepressant repositioned as a non-stimulant ADHD drug.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: Oral once daily, extended-release; 200-600 mg adults, 100-400 mg children — Rx; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Supernus's Qelbree (SPN-812) — a re-engineered extended-release of viloxazine, an old European antidepressant repositioned as a non-stimulant ADHD drug. FDA-approved for ages 6+ (2021) and adults (2022). Onset within 1-2 weeks (faster than atomoxetine), no controlled-substance scheduling and no established abuse liability. Its approved non-stimulant status distinguishes it from stimulant treatments; comparative outcomes, adverse effects, interactions, and individual context differ. Less potent than amphetamine/methylphenidate; it is a CYP1A2 inhibitor, so it interacts with caffeine, theophylline and clozapine. Boxed warning for suicidal ideation, as with other ADHD/antidepressant-class agents.
Mechanism
Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with serotonergic modulation (5-HT2C agonist, 5-HT2B antagonist); raises prefrontal norepinephrine and dopamine to improve attention without the dopamine surge or scheduling of stimulants
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
Oral once daily, extended-release; 200-600 mg adults, 100-400 mg children
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Viloxazine (Qelbree)'s effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Viloxazine (Qelbree) as Strong and the benefit magnitude as moderate, producing an overall grade of B+ (7.2/10). Supernus's Qelbree (SPN-812) — a re-engineered extended-release of viloxazine, an old European antidepressant repositioned as a non-stimulant ADHD drug.
- What safety findings are reported for Viloxazine (Qelbree)?
- Viloxazine (Qelbree) has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (somnolence, decreased appetite, headache, irritability; boxed warning for suicidal thoughts; non-scheduled, no abuse potential) Legal status: Rx (FDA-approved 2021 pediatric, 2022 adult ADHD; not a controlled substance).
- What doses or routes are reported for Viloxazine (Qelbree)?
- Oral once daily, extended-release; 200-600 mg adults, 100-400 mg children This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Viloxazine (Qelbree) work?
- Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with serotonergic modulation (5-HT2C agonist, 5-HT2B antagonist); raises prefrontal norepinephrine and dopamine to improve attention without the dopamine surge or scheduling of stimulants
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.