Rankings / Cognitive — Prescription Stimulants

Viloxazine (Qelbree)

Cognitive · Non-stimulant ADHD / norepinephrine-serotonin modulator

Tier B+

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed · How we grade

adhdnon-stimulantnoradrenergicapproved
7.2 / 10
Tier B+
Ev 8 Bn 5 Sf 7

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.

Typical use: Oral once daily, extended-release; 200-600 mg adults, 100-400 mg children — Rx.

What this is

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 scheduling and no abuse liability — a mainstream legal option for people who can't or won't use stimulants. 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

Dose & route

Oral once daily, extended-release; 200-600 mg adults, 100-400 mg children

Citations

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Common questions

Does Viloxazine (Qelbree) work?
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.
Is Viloxazine (Qelbree) safe?
Viloxazine (Qelbree) has a low-med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Rx (FDA-approved 2021 pediatric, 2022 adult ADHD; not a controlled substance). This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
What is the typical dose for Viloxazine (Qelbree)?
Oral once daily, extended-release; 200-600 mg adults, 100-400 mg children
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.