Strattera vs. Qelbree
See how Strattera and Qelbree compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Strattera and Qelbree are both non-stimulant ADHD medications that are not controlled substances, but they work through different mechanisms involving norepinephrine and, for Qelbree, serotonin.
Strattera reaches its full daily dose within about a week, while Qelbree takes up to five weeks to titrate to its highest maintenance dose.
Generic atomoxetine is available for Strattera at a lower cost, while Qelbree currently has no generic version.
Strattera vs. Qelbree Drug Summary
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor approved to treat ADHD in patients age 6 and older. It comes as an oral capsule taken once daily or split into two doses, with dosing based on body weight in children and a fixed dose in adults. Since the brand-name product was discontinued in 2024, it is now available only as generic atomoxetine.
Qelbree
Qelbree (viloxazine) is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor approved to treat ADHD in adults and children age 6 and older. It is taken as a once-daily extended-release capsule that can be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on food. Qelbree was approved in 2021 and uses a mechanism that also affects serotonin activity.
Strattera vs. Qelbree Side Effects
Strattera
Qelbree
Strattera vs. Qelbree Dosage
Strattera
Qelbree
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.5 mg/kg/day | Days 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | Week 5 onward |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
| 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 |
Strattera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.5 mg/kg/day | Days 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | Week 5 onward |
| 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 |
Strattera vs. Qelbree Indications
Strattera
Strattera is FDA-approved for ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults age 6 and up. It is not approved to treat narcolepsy or depression, even though some clinicians have explored it off-label for these conditions. Its approval has been in place since 2002, giving it a long history of clinical use.
Treats ADHD in patients age 6 and older
Not approved for narcolepsy (off-label only)
Not approved for depression (off-label only)
Non-stimulant option available since 2002
Not a controlled substance
Qelbree
Qelbree is FDA-approved for ADHD in adults and children age 6 and older. It is not approved for bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder, though its serotonin-related activity has drawn research interest in these areas. It has been available since 2021, making it a newer option in the non-stimulant category.
Treats ADHD in adults and children age 6+
Not approved for bipolar disorder (off-label only)
Not approved for major depressive disorder (off-label only)
Newer non-stimulant option approved in 2021
Not a controlled substance
Strattera vs. Qelbree Pros and Cons
Strattera
Strattera has more than two decades of clinical use and is now available as a lower-cost generic. Its side effect profile is well-characterized, though it carries specific contraindications around eye and adrenal gland conditions and a cardiac warning for people with structural heart abnormalities.
Pros
Available as lower-cost generic atomoxetine
Weight-based dosing allows precise titration in children
More than 20 years of clinical safety data
Can be split into two daily doses for tolerability
Cons
Higher reported rates of nausea and appetite loss
Contraindicated in narrow angle glaucoma and pheochromocytoma
Capsules should not be opened before swallowing
Carries a specific warning for structural heart abnormalities
Qelbree
Qelbree offers a novel mechanism that also affects serotonin activity and a sprinkle-on-food option for people who have trouble swallowing capsules. As a newer drug with no generic version, it has a longer titration schedule and less long-term safety data than Strattera.
Pros
Capsules can be opened and sprinkled on food
Novel mechanism affecting both norepinephrine and serotonin
No specific structural heart abnormality warning
Flexible dosing with or without food
Cons
No generic version currently available
Longer titration schedule, up to five weeks to max dose
Less long-term safety data as a newer drug (2021)
Not recommended with CYP1A2 drugs like theophylline
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