Qelbree (viloxazine) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug comes as an oral capsule. It’s usually taken once per day.
Qelbree is prescribed for use in adults and some children to treat ADHD. It’s an extended-release oral capsule. “Extended release” means the drug releases into the body over time instead of all at once.
This article describes the dosages of Qelbree, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Qelbree, see this in-depth article.
This section covers Qelbree’s typical dosages.
Note: This chart highlights the basics of Qelbree’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail.
| Strengths | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| • 100 milligrams (mg) • 150 mg • 200 mg | • adults: 200 mg daily • ages 6 to 11 years: 100 mg daily • ages 12 to 17 years: 200 mg daily | • may increase from starting dosage • differs by age group | • differs by age group |
What is the form of Qelbree?
Qelbree comes as an extended-release capsule that you’ll swallow. “Extended release” means the drug releases into the body over time instead of all at once.
What strengths does Qelbree come in?
Qelbree is available in the following strengths:
- 100 mg
- 150 mg
- 200 mg
The capsules have a unique color for each strength so they’re easier to identify.
What are the usual dosages of Qelbree?
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage. Then, they may adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
For adults, your starting dosage for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will typically be 200 mg daily. Each week, your doctor may increase your dose by 200 mg until it has the desired effect. The maximum adult dosage is 600 mg daily.
What’s the dosage of Qelbree for children?
Qelbree is approved for use in children ages 6 to 17 years. The dosage for children depends on age.
Ages 6 to 11 years
For children ages 6 to 11 years, the starting dosage will typically be 100 mg daily. Each week, the child’s doctor may increase the dose by 100 mg until it has the desired effect. The maximum dosage is 400 mg daily.
Ages 12 to 17 years
For children ages 12 to 17 years, a starting dosage usually will be 200 mg daily. After 1 week, the child’s doctor may increase the dose to 400 mg daily. This is the maximum dosage.
Is Qelbree used long term?
Yes, Qelbree is usually used as a long-term treatment. You and your doctor can determine whether it’s safe and effective for your condition. If you both agree that it is, you’ll likely take Qelbree long term.
Dosage adjustments
If you have severe kidney problems, your doctor may make a dosage adjustment. They may prescribe a dosage of Qelbree that’s lower than the recommended dosage. Ask your doctor how often they will test your kidney function.
If you take a medication that interacts with Qelbree, your doctor may adjust your dosage.
Below are answers to some questions commonly asked about Qelbree’s dosage.
How long does it take a dose of Qelbree to work?
It depends. You may notice symptoms lessening right away, or it could take a few weeks. Studies of Qelbree showed that the drug lessened symptoms within 6 weeks after starting treatment.
Talk with your doctor about what to expect when you take Qelbree. If a lower dose doesn’t seem to be helping, they may increase your dosage.
Is Qelbree used for weight loss? If so, what is the dosage?
No, Qelbree is not approved for weight loss or weight management. So, the drugmaker doesn’t have a recommended dosage for that use.
It’s possible that some unpleasant side effects of Qelbree could lead to weight loss. These are:
- nausea
- vomiting
- decreased appetite
- abdominal pain
If you notice that you are losing weight during Qelbree treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may help you discover why it’s occurring and what to do about it.
Body weight is just one part of your overall health. You can learn more about what it means to have a body weight that’s healthy for you in this article. If you’re interested in losing weight to improve your health, read more in this article.
If you miss your Qelbree dose, call your doctor. They’ll let you know what to do and advise you when to take your next dose.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Qelbree on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
The dosage of Qelbree you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
- your age
- other medications you may take
- other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” above in the “What is Qelbree’s dosage?” section)
Before you take Qelbree, your doctor will typically give you a few tests. They will test your blood pressure and heartbeat. They will also ask you questions about your mental health and your family’s mental health.
You’ll take the Qelbree capsule by swallowing it. You can take it with food or without it, but you should not crush the capsule.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules whole, you can sprinkle the capsule contents on applesauce or pudding. Try this:
- Scoop a spoonful of pudding or applesauce into a bowl.
- Sprinkle the entire contents of the Qelbree capsule on the pudding or applesauce.
- Take the mixture right away. Be sure to swallow all of it without chewing.
- If you use a pudding mixture, take it within 15 minutes. If you use an applesauce mixture, take it within 2 hours.
For tips to help you swallow capsules, see this article.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Qelbree, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Ask your pharmacy if they offer these accessibility features. If they don’t, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that do.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Qelbree in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
Do not take more Qelbree than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- drowsiness
- slow reflexes
- fast heart rate
What to do in case you take too much Qelbree
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Qelbree. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or a local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Qelbree for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Qelbree without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Qelbree exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- If I have kidney problems, how much lower will my Qelbree dosage be?
- What should I do if I miss a dose of Qelbree?
- How often will my Qelbree dosage increase?
- Would a lower dose of Qelbree decrease my risk of high blood pressure?
To learn more about Qelbree, see these articles:
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
