Description
Generic Name: Viloxazine
Advantages Disadvantages
Treats most of the symptoms of ADHD (hyperactivity, impulsivity) but less effective for treatment of inattention
of distractibility. Does not cause the side effects of the stimulants (insomnia, decreased appetite, irritability).
Usually covered by insurance.
Disadvantages
Not as effective as stimulants for treatment of ADHD. Can take 2-3 weeks or longer before optimal benefits realized.
Excerpt from the book: ADHD Medications: Does It Work and Is It Save? Available on Amazon
Qelbree (viloxazine) is an extended-release norepinephrine reup- take inhibitor, just like Strattera (atomoxetine). It has been used as an antidepressant in Europe for more than twenty years, with the brand names Vivalan or Emovit, but it has not been approved for that purpose in the United States. Qelbree (viloxazine) was very recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD (April 2021). Only a few research studies have been published for viloxazine and ADHD, and although they do demonstrate that viloxazine is effective for the treatment of ADHD, many of these studies were funded by the pharmaceutical company.
Qelbree was made available in pharmacies in May 2021, but it is still too early to determine how it is doing in clinical practice. Researchers have not yet had much chance to study Qelbree indepen- dent of the pharmaceutical company. As a result, clinicians have had very little experience with this medication.
Remember that ADHD is associated with a decrease in activity of the two neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in three promi- nent areas of the brain. On the other hand, decreased activity of the neu- rotransmitter serotonin is associated with depression. Many of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants work by increasing the activity of serotonin. Because Qelbree also increases the activity of serotonin, because of its success as an antidepressant in Europe, and because it is effective for the treatment of ADHD, one can speculate that Qelbree might be espe- cially helpful for children with ADHD with associated irritability or mood difficulties, but no research has been done to document this relationship.
Qelbree holds promise as a new non-stimulant for the treatment of ADHD, but it is too early to make any definitive statements about its use in clinical practice.
