Qelbree (Viloxazine) Administration Timing
Qelbree (viloxazine) should be administered once daily in the morning for optimal management of ADHD symptoms with minimal adverse effects. 1
Rationale for Morning Administration
- Viloxazine extended-release (Qelbree) is designed for once-daily dosing, with a recommended starting dose of 200 mg taken orally once daily 1
- Morning administration is preferred for non-stimulant ADHD medications like viloxazine to provide "around-the-clock" symptom control throughout the day 1
- Unlike some other non-stimulants (clonidine and guanfacine) that commonly cause somnolence/fatigue and may be better administered in the evening, viloxazine does not have this specific recommendation 1
Dosing Considerations
- The recommended titration schedule for viloxazine is to increase by 200 mg increments at weekly intervals based on response and tolerability 1
- Maximum daily dose is 600 mg/day 1
- Once-daily administration in the morning provides continuous symptom relief that can last throughout the day 2
Clinical Considerations
- Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor approved for ADHD treatment in children, adolescents, and adults 3, 4
- As a non-stimulant medication, viloxazine offers an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate stimulants or have contraindications to their use 5
- Early response to viloxazine treatment (within the first 2 weeks) may predict long-term efficacy 6
Special Populations
- Limited data are available on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of viloxazine for the treatment of ADHD in adults 1
- There is no published information on viloxazine's safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, making alternative agents preferable in these populations 1, 7
Common Pitfalls and Caveats
- Unlike some other non-stimulant medications that may cause significant somnolence (like clonidine or guanfacine), viloxazine does not have specific recommendations for evening dosing 1
- Treatment effects of non-stimulants like viloxazine are not usually observed until several weeks after initiation (2-4 weeks), unlike stimulants which have a more rapid onset 1
- Monitor for common adverse effects including decreased appetite, somnolence, and fatigue 2