Summary
Viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) that also modulates serotonergic activity as a 5-HT2B antagonist and 5-HT2C agonist. Originally used as an antidepressant in Europe (1974-2002), it was repurposed and FDA-approved in 2021 for ADHD treatment in the US under the brand name Qelbree. It is generally well-tolerated but may cause insomnia, irritability, somnolence, or gastrointestinal upset. Higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors have been reported in pediatric patients, requiring close monitoring especially during initial treatment. Caution is advised in patients with liver or severe renal impairment, bipolar disorder, or those taking CYP1A2 substrates.
Dose Information
| ROA | Light | Common | Strong | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 50-75mg | 75-150mg | 150mg | 150mg+ |
Light
Common
Strong
Heavy
Onset, Duration & After-effects
| ROA | Onset | Comeup | Peak | Offset | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 2 hrs | 2-4 hrs | 5 hrs | 12-18 hrs | 180-0 min |
Tolerance
Build-up
develops over days to weeks of regular use
Reset
3–7 days for acute tolerance; longer for full reset
Effects
Positive
- Mild stimulation
- Increased energy
- Stimulation
- Physical euphoria
Negative
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Somnolence
- Decreased appetite
Positive
- Reduced hyperactivity
- Reduced impulsivity
- Cognitive euphoria
Negative
- Irritability
- Compulsive redosing
- Motor control loss
- Depersonalization
- Improved attention
- Increased focus
- Time distortion
Positive
- Increased music appreciation
- Perception of bodily lightness
- Tactile enhancement
Negative
- Light sensitivity
- Disinhibition
- Tactile suppression
- Spatial disorientation
- Double vision
- Spontaneous physical sensations
- Visual disconnection