Disclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s). We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to prescription medication.
Qelbree is a prescription medication that's FDA-approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s non-stimulatory, which separates it from ADHD medications like Adderall which are stimulants.
The generic name for the drug is viloxazine, and we’ll use these two terms interchangeably throughout this article because they refer to the same active drug ingredient.
But is Qelbree proven to reduce symptoms of ADHD? Is it as effective as stimulant ADHD medications? Does it cause any concerning side effects? And is a cheaper generic alternative available?
In this article we'll answer all of these questions and more, as we review clinical trials on Qelbree to determine whether or not the drug reduces ADHD symptoms, and how it compares to other ADHD meds.
We'll also discuss the potential for side effects, and document the cost (as well as whether or not a cheaper generic alternative exists).
Key takeaways:
- Clinically shown to improve ADHD symptoms in over 60% of patients
- May cause severe side effects in children
- Much better performance than Strattera in a head-to-head trial
Does Qelbree Reduce ADHD Symptoms?
Qelbree has been extensively studied in clinical trials for its efficacy in treating and managing symptoms of ADHD.
A meta-study published in the Frontiers in Psychiatry journal examined results from 30 clinical trials on the drug. In all of the studies reviewed, Qelbree was effective at reducing ADHD symptoms.
The study authors concluded that Qelbree was effective, and suggested that the drug may be especially therapeutic in patients with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, because these patients may not be able to tolerate stimulatory ADHD meds.
A 2022 medical review examined data from over 1,600 patients involved in clinical trials on Qelbree.
Patient groups treated with Qelbree had 62% more responders than groups treated with placebo pills.
"Responders" in a clinical context refers to patients who had significant symptom improvement.
The researchers conducting this medical review concluded that Qelbree was “significantly superior” to placebo.
Based on the available research, we will conclude that Qelbree is effective at reducing ADHD symptoms, which is unsurprising given that the drug is approved by the FDA for that indication.
Does Qelbree Cause Side Effects?
Qelbree’s FDA label has a "black box" warning, shown below, indicating that this medication can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric (children) patients.
Black box warnings are the most severe type of warning issued by the FDA, and they indicate a side effect which may have life-threatening side effects.
Qelbree's typical side effects are more mild.
A 2021 medical review documents that the most common Qelbree side effects are sleepiness, fatigue, decreased appetite and nausea.
The side effect profile of Qelbree appears relatively mild for adults, but given the suicide warning for pediatric patients, it may be advisable for parents or guardians to speak with their pediatrician about alternative ADHD medications which do not confer this risk.
Qelbree vs. Other ADHD Meds
Adderall and Strattera are two of the most commonly-prescribed ADHD medications, so patients are often curious about whether Qelbree has been shown to be more or less effective than these drugs.
Extended-release (ER) Qelbree was tested against Strattera in a 2023 clinical trial in patients with ADHD.
96% of trial participants preferred Qelbree ER to Strattera, and significantly fewer patients experienced side effects using Qelbree.
As we documented in our Strattera reviews article, that drug is also non-stimulatory, but Qelbree (at least the ER version) may have greater efficacy.
We can't locate any clinical trials comparing Qelbree to Adderall, but the latter drug was shown in a medical review to be associated with a reduced risk of suicide in patients with ADHD.
This suggests that Adderall may be a better option for patients with a personal or family history of suicidal thoughts than Qelbree, and for patients without anxiety (given that it's stimulatory).
How Much Does Qelbree Cost?
The cost of Qelbree will vary significantly for patients in the US, depending on health insurance coverage.
The retail price of Qelbree is currently around $380 according to GoodRx.
However, health insurance can fully or partially subsidize this cost.
The official Qelbree website has a Savings page that allows patients to apply for a coupon and potentially pay discounted rates.
We typically recommend that patients speak with their doctor about the generic versions of drugs, because these contain the same active drug ingredient as the brand-name version but can be significantly cheaper.
However, since Qelbree was approved by the FDA so recently there is currently no generic equivalent available in the US at the time of updating this article.
Can Ginkgo Naturally Improve Focus?
Ginkgo biloba extract is an herbal supplement that's been tested in patients with ADHD.
A 2014 clinical trial found that ginkgo biloba extract was effective in children diagnosed with ADHD. Supplementation with ginkgo biloba extract improved ADHD core symptoms and quality of life.
A clinical trial published in the Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice journal found that ginkgo biloba extract may be an effective adjunctive therapy to standard pharmaceutical ADHD treatment. An adjunctive therapy means a therapy used in combination with standard treatment.
Inattention scores (a common symptom of ADHD) were significantly decreased with ginkgo biloba extract complementary therapy. Total ADHD symptom score was also significantly decreased.
Illuminate Labs Ginkgo Biloba Extract is our standardized ginkgo biloba supplement which is third-party tested to ensure purity and potency.
We are not suggesting that ginkgo biloba extract should be used to treat ADHD, or that it's as effective as atomoxetine or any other FDA-approved medication.
