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

Most common
insomnia (up to 5%)
decreased appetite (up to 5%)
somnolence (up to 16%)
fatigue (up to 12%)

Jornay PM

Most common
insomnia (up to 41%)
decreased appetite (up to 27%)
affect lability (up to 22%)
headache (up to 19%)

Qelbree vs. Jornay PM Dosage

Qelbree

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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