Qelbree Prescription Calculation for 30-Day Supply
For a 30-day month with the described titration schedule (1 capsule daily for 7 days, 2 capsules daily for 7 days, then 3 capsules daily for 16 days), you should prescribe 58 capsules of Qelbree 200 mg.
Calculation Breakdown
The total number of 200 mg capsules needed is calculated as follows:
- Days 1-7: 1 capsule × 7 days = 7 capsules 1
- Days 8-14: 2 capsules × 7 days = 14 capsules 1
- Days 15-30: 3 capsules × 16 days = 48 capsules 1
- Total: 7 + 14 + 48 = 69 capsules
However, if you meant the patient takes 200 mg daily (not "200 mg capsules"), then the calculation differs:
- Days 1-7: 200 mg daily = 1 capsule × 7 days = 7 capsules
- Days 8-14: 400 mg daily (two 200 mg) = 2 capsules × 7 days = 14 capsules
- Days 15-30: 600 mg daily (three 200 mg) = 3 capsules × 16 days = 48 capsules
- Total: 69 capsules of 200 mg strength
Titration Context from FDA Label
The FDA-approved titration schedule for adults starting Qelbree begins at 200 mg once daily for Week 1, then increases to 400 mg once daily for Week 2, with subsequent adjustments by 200 mg per day once weekly to a minimum of 200 mg and maximum of 600 mg daily 1. Your described regimen aligns with this gradual dose escalation approach, reaching the maximum approved dose of 600 mg daily (three 200 mg capsules) by day 15 1.
Dispensing Considerations
Qelbree 200 mg capsules are available in bottles of 30,60,90, or 100 capsules 1. For this prescription, you would need to prescribe either:
- One bottle of 60 capsules plus one bottle of 30 capsules (total 90, with 21 remaining), or
- One bottle of 100 capsules (with 31 remaining for the next refill)
The most practical approach is to prescribe 100 capsules to cover the full month with minimal waste 1.
Clinical Monitoring
Therapeutic effects may not be observed until 2-4 weeks after initiation, so assessment of efficacy should occur after the patient has been on the maintenance dose (600 mg daily) for at least 2 weeks 2, 3. Monitor for common adverse effects including insomnia (13.8%), nausea (13.8%), headache (10.7%), and fatigue (10.1%) 4, 5.