From the Research
The recommended dosing of Quelbree (viloxazine) for pediatric patients is 100 mg once daily for children 6-11 years old, which can be gradually increased to the target dose of 200-400 mg once daily, and 200 mg once daily for adolescents 12-17 years old, with a target dose range of 200-400 mg once daily. This dosing is based on the pharmacokinetics of viloxazine, which has been characterized in pediatric subjects with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 1. The medication should be taken whole with food or without food at the same time each day. Some key points to consider when prescribing Quelbree include:
- Dose adjustments should be made in weekly increments of 100 mg to minimize side effects
- Common side effects include decreased appetite, drowsiness, irritability, and insomnia
- Quelbree carries a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, so close monitoring is necessary, especially during the initial few months of treatment or dose changes
- The medication works by affecting norepinephrine levels in the brain, which helps improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity It's also important to note that viloxazine has been shown to be an effective and well-tolerated alternative for some children with ADHD, with a unique mechanism of action that modulates activity of both serotonin and norepinephrine 2. Additionally, viloxazine has been demonstrated to have a relatively rapid onset of action, sustained symptom improvement, and clinical benefit in ADHD-associated impairments (functional and social) 3. Overall, Quelbree is a valuable treatment option for pediatric patients with ADHD, and its dosing should be carefully considered to maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.