Qelbree dosage

Read below for typically recommended dosages of Qelbree.

Qelbree form

Qelbree comes as an extended-release oral capsule that you take by mouth. With extended-release, the active drug releases into your body over time.

Qelbree strengths

Qelbree comes in the following strengths:

• 100 milligrams (mg)
• 150 mg
• 200 mg

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will prescribe a low dosage of Qelbree at the start of treatment. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Qelbree is approved as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages 6 years and older.

The typical starting dosage of Qelbree in adults is 200 mg once per day. Your doctor may increase your dosage, by 200 mg per week, until the medication reaches the desired effect.

The typical dosage range for Qelbree in adults is 200 mg to 600 mg once per day.

Children’s dosage

Qelbree’s dosage for ADHD in children depends on the child’s age as follows:

• Ages 6 to 11 years:
  • The typical starting dosage is 100 mg once per day.
  • The typical dosage range is 100 mg to 400 mg once per day.
• Ages 12 to 17 years:
  • The typical starting dosage is 200 mg once per day.
  • The typical dosage range is 200 to 400 mg once per day.

Your child’s doctor may increase their dosage until the medication reaches the desired effect. Your child should always take the dosage prescribed by their doctor.

Long-term treatment

Qelbree is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Qelbree is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Qelbree and their answers.

Can I take my dose of Qelbree at night?

Yes, you can take your Qelbree dose at night or during the day. Since you’ll take Qelbree once per day, it’s helpful to take it around the same time of day. This helps keep a stable level of the drug in your body so it can work well. To learn more, see the “How to take Qelbree” section below.

If you have more questions about the best time of day to take Qelbree, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If you’d like to know how Qelbree works, you can review this article.

How long does a dose of Qelbree last?

Typically, an effective dose of Qelbree lasts about 7 hours. The drug is taken once per day and is an extended-release oral capsule. “Extended release” means the active drug (viloxazine) releases slowly into your body over time. So, Qelbree is typically effective in your system until the time of your next daily dose.

For more information about how long Qelbree lasts, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Qelbree dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on your age. The dosage in children ages 6 to 11 years is typically lower than the dosage in older children and adults. For details, refer to the “Qelbree dosage” section above.

Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Qelbree dosage.

Dosage adjustments

If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Qelbree. Kidney problems slow down the removal of Qelbree from your body, which increases your risk of side effects from the drug.* So your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dosage. They may also adjust it more slowly to reach the drug’s desired effect.

* To learn about Qelbree’s side effects, view this article.

Qelbree comes as an oral capsule that you’ll swallow whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew the capsules. You can take Qelbree with or without food. For example, you can open Qelbree capsules and sprinkle the entire contents onto pudding or applesauce. If you have questions about taking Qelbree this way, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Qelbree can be taken any time of day. However, it may be helpful to take Qelbree around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Qelbree can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Qelbree in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Qelbree, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose when you typically would. Do not take two doses of Qelbree to make up for the missed one.

If you’re not sure whether to take or skip the missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

If you take more Qelbree than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects.*

It’s important that you do not take more Qelbree than your doctor prescribes.

Symptoms of an overdose

Qelbree overdose symptoms can include:

• drowsiness
• reduced consciousness (being less aware of your surroundings)
• slow reflexes
• faster heart rate than what’s typical for you

* To learn more about Qelbree’s side effects, see this article.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Qelbree

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Qelbree. Another option is to call the America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Qelbree for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Qelbree without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Qelbree that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Qelbree. These additional articles might be helpful:

• More about Qelbree. For information about other aspects of Qelbree, refer to this article.
• Details about ADHD. For details about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), see our ADHD hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.