Qelbree vs. Jornay PM
See how Qelbree and Jornay PM compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Qelbree is a nonstimulant taken once daily that carries no abuse risk, while Jornay PM is a stimulant dosed each evening to control symptoms upon waking.
Jornay PM is a Schedule II controlled substance with a boxed warning for abuse and addiction, whereas Qelbree carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts in young people.
Both drugs treat ADHD in patients 6 and older, but Qelbree requires a multi-week titration schedule while Jornay PM is prescribed at a single stable maintenance dose.
Qelbree vs. Jornay PM Drug Summary
Qelbree
Qelbree (viloxazine) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a nonstimulant medication approved for ADHD in adults and children 6 and older. It's taken once daily as an extended-release capsule that can be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on food. Qelbree is not a controlled substance.
Jornay PM
Jornay PM (methylphenidate) is a CNS stimulant approved for ADHD in patients 6 and older, taken once daily in the evening. Its delayed-release, extended-release capsule holds off drug release until the following morning, covering symptoms from wake-up through the day. Jornay PM is a Schedule II controlled substance.
Qelbree vs. Jornay PM Side Effects
Qelbree
Jornay PM
Qelbree vs. Jornay PM Dosage
Qelbree
Jornay PM
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 100 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 600 mg once daily | Week 5 onward |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | Every week |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Qelbree
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 100 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 600 mg once daily | Week 5 onward |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | Every week |
Jornay PM
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Qelbree vs. Jornay PM Indications
Qelbree
Qelbree is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 and older. It is not approved for bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder.
ADHD in adults
ADHD in children 6 and older
Not approved for bipolar disorder
Not approved for major depressive disorder
Jornay PM
Jornay PM is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in patients 6 and older, including adults and children. It is not approved for children younger than 6 or for narcolepsy.
ADHD in children 6 and older
ADHD in adolescents and adults
Not approved for narcolepsy
Not approved for children under 6
Qelbree vs. Jornay PM Pros and Cons
Qelbree
Qelbree offers ADHD symptom control without the abuse potential or scheduling restrictions of a stimulant, though it can take several weeks of titration to reach a full effective dose. As a newer nonstimulant with no generic, coverage can vary by plan.
Pros
Not a controlled substance, easier refills
No stimulant abuse or misuse potential
Capsule can be opened and sprinkled on food
Newer treatment mechanism for ADHD
Cons
Boxed warning for suicidal thoughts
Multi-week titration before full dose
Interacts with CYP1A2 drugs like theophylline
No generic version available
Jornay PM
Jornay PM's evening dosing is designed to control ADHD symptoms from the moment a patient wakes, unlike most stimulants dosed in the morning. As a Schedule II stimulant, it carries a higher risk of misuse and stricter prescribing rules than a nonstimulant option.
Pros
Evening dosing covers symptoms on waking
Fast, well-established stimulant effect
Simple dose increases without lengthy titration
Bead technology delays release until morning
Cons
Schedule II controlled substance
Boxed warning for abuse and addiction
Not recommended with certain heart conditions
Can suppress growth in children long-term
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