8 Qelbree Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Qelbree (viloxazine) is a prescription-only medication that’s FDA approved to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages 6 and older. This oral capsule is a nonstimulant option for people who can’t use stimulant medications, such as Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts), or experience bothersome side effects from them.

Qelbree is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI). It works in a unique way compared to many other ADHD medications. It targets a brain chemical called norepinephrine that helps with attention and focus.

Like any medication, though, Qelbree can have side effects. Some are common and mild, while others are rare but serious.

Qelbree side effects at a glance

You may experience mild side effects when taking Qelbree. This is especially true when you’re starting the medication or if you have a dosage increase. These side effects will likely improve as your body adjusts to the medication. But serious side effects are also possible. And in some cases, these require medical attention.

Common Qelbree side effects in adults include:

• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Sleepiness

• Decreased appetite

• Dry mouth

• Constipation

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Common Qelbree side effects in children include:

• Sleepiness

• Headaches

• Decreased appetite

• Nausea

• Gut pain

• Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold

• Fatigue

Less common but serious Qelbree risks include:

• Dangerously high heart rate

• Dangerously high blood pressure

• Activation of mania in people living with bipolar disorder

While rare, Qelbree also has a boxed warning for thoughts of suicide and self-harm. A boxed warning is the FDA’s most serious type of medication warning.

Below, we’ll review eight notable Qelbree side effects and tips for managing them.

1. Drowsiness or insomnia

Drowsiness and fatigue are common side effects of Qelbree. But some people, typically adults, have the opposite experience and develop insomnia or trouble sleeping. These sleep-related side effects are most likely to happen when you first start taking Qelbree and after a dosage increase.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Qelbree (viloxazine) vs. Strattera (atomoxetine): Read about which nonstimulant attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication might be right for you and how they compare.

• When stimulants aren’t a good fit: GoodRx pharmacists cover nonstimulant treatment options to help manage your ADHD symptoms.

• Don’t have insurance coverage? Learn how much Qelbree costs without insurance and ways to save on your prescription.

If Qelbree makes you feel sleepy or fatigued, taking it in the evening may help. It’s also best to avoid activities that require focus — such as driving — until you know how the medication affects you. Getting enough rest and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule may also make a difference.

If Qelbree causes insomnia, taking your dose earlier in the day might help. Practicing good sleep habits, like limiting caffeine and avoiding screens close to bedtime, can also be useful.

Let your prescriber know if you have drowsiness, fatigue, or insomnia that doesn’t improve over time or starts to interfere with your daily life. They may recommend adjusting your dosage, changing what time of day you take Qelbree, or switching to a different medication.

2. Headaches

Headaches can occur while taking Qelbree. They’re usually quite mild and should go away on their own as your body gets used to the medication.

To help with headaches, try to:

• Drink plenty of water.

• Prioritize your sleep.

• Limit your screen time.

You can also try taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever if one is recommended by your healthcare professional.

Reach out to your prescriber if your headaches are severe, happen often, or don’t improve over time.

3. Nausea

You might experience nausea when you’re first starting Qelbree or shortly after a dosage adjustment. Some people report having an upset stomach or queasiness during these transition periods.

While your body is adjusting, you can help ease stomach discomfort by:

• Sticking to smaller meals spread throughout the day

• Eating bland foods, such as crackers or toast

• Avoiding foods that are spicy or greasy

• Sipping water or clear liquids, such as juices or sports hydration drinks

• Drinking herbal tea, such as ginger or peppermint tea

• Taking Qelbree with food

You should reach out to your prescriber if your nausea gets noticeably worse at any point or leads to vomiting. They can help you figure out if a dosage change, a change in dose timing, or a different treatment is warranted.

4. A smaller appetite than normal

Qelbree can make you feel less hungry than usual. In clinical studies, this side effect was more common in adults. Children can still experience it, though. A smaller-than-normal appetite can sometimes lead to weight loss.

To help with this side effect, try eating smaller meals and snacks throughout the day instead of a few large meals — even if you don’t feel very hungry at the time. Also, try to eat foods that are packed with nutrients and give you energy. Whole grains, fatty fish, and leafy green vegetables are a few of many examples.

5. Dry mouth

Dry mouth is another common Qelbree side effect. During the day, your mouth might feel dry, sticky, or uncomfortable at times. This can make it tough to talk, swallow, or eat certain foods.

You can try at-home or OTC remedies to ease dry mouth, such as:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene (i.e., brushing and flossing regularly)

• Chewing sugar-free gum

• Sipping cool liquids or sucking on ice chips

• Using OTC saliva substitutes such as Biotène

If the dryness persists or is too bothersome, contact your prescriber. They can suggest other strategies or treatments to make you more comfortable.

6. Constipation

Taking Qelbree can sometimes lead to constipation. This is because it can slow digestion in some people. This can lead to fewer bowel movements or harder stools.

If you become constipated, there are things you can try to get your bowels moving again, such as:

• Drinking more water: Staying hydrated makes stool softer and easier to pass.

• Gradually adding fiber to your diet: Foods that contain soluble or insoluble fiber help make your stool softer and bulkier. This makes it easier for stool to move through your intestines.

• Exercising regularly: Moving your body, even with gentle activities like walking, can help with digestion.

Talk to your prescriber if your constipation doesn’t improve with these steps, becomes painful, or lasts for several days. They might recommend taking a laxative or stool softener to help you go to the bathroom.

7. Increased blood pressure or heart rate

Qelbree can potentially raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Your prescriber should check these readings before you start taking the medication to make sure Qelbree is a safe option for you. They should also continue to monitor your levels during follow-up visits and after any dosage changes. In some cases, they might ask you to check your blood pressure and heart rate at home, as well.

Let your prescriber know if you have blood pressure or heart rate readings that are higher than normal. They can tell you in advance what your target readings should be and what numbers should sound an alarm.

You should also reach out if you notice symptoms such as a fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Your prescriber might need to adjust your dosage if your blood pressure or heart rate rises too much.

8. Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

In rare cases, Qelbree can raise the risk of suicidal ideation. It’s important to watch for sudden changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors while you’re taking Qelbree. This is especially the case when you start the medication or if your prescriber increases your dosage. If your child is the one taking Qelbree, you should monitor them for the same types of changes.

There are not always obvious signs and symptoms that someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts. But suicidal ideation can look like:

• Having sudden changes in behavior

• Showing signs of increased sadness, hopelessness, or shame

• Feeling like there’s no reason to live

• Isolating from friends

• Talking about suicide

Open communication and paying attention to possible changes over time can make a big difference. Contact a healthcare professional immediately if you or your loved one experiences any thoughts of self-harm. You can also contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local emergency services at 911.

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Written by:

Arnisha Carter, PharmD, BCPS

Arnisha Carter, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist in Florida. She’s worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and began writing for GoodRx in 2024.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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