Vyvanse vs. Qelbree

See how Vyvanse and Qelbree compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Vyvanse is a stimulant approved for ADHD and binge eating disorder, while Qelbree is a nonstimulant approved only for ADHD.

  • Qelbree is not a controlled substance and carries no abuse potential, but it comes with its own boxed warning for suicidal thoughts in children and young adults.

  • Vyvanse reaches its target dose in about three weeks, while Qelbree's titration schedule takes about five weeks to reach its highest maintenance dose.

Vyvanse vs. Qelbree Drug Summary

Vyvanse

Vyvanse is a once-daily stimulant that converts to dextroamphetamine in the body, used to treat ADHD in people six and older and moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. It comes as a capsule or chewable tablet taken each morning.

Qelbree

Qelbree is a once-daily nonstimulant that works by selectively blocking norepinephrine reuptake, approved for ADHD in adults and children six and older. It comes as an extended-release capsule that can be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on food.

Vyvanse vs. Qelbree Side Effects

Vyvanse

Most common
decreased appetite (up to 27%)
dry mouth (up to 23%)
insomnia (up to 16%)
anxiety (up to 8%)

Qelbree

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

Vyvanse vs. Qelbree Dosage

Vyvanse

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 30 mg once daily Week 1
Maximum dose 70 mg once daily Week 4 onward
Dose changes 4 increases Every week

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

Vyvanse vs. Qelbree Indications

Vyvanse

Vyvanse treats attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children six and older, adolescents, and adults. It is also the first and only stimulant specifically FDA-approved for moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults, but it is not approved for weight loss or general obesity treatment.

  • ADHD in patients 6 years and older

  • Moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults

  • Not approved for weight loss or obesity

  • Once-daily capsule or chewable tablet

Qelbree

Qelbree treats attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults and children six and older. It is not approved for bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder, and it is not indicated for binge eating disorder or weight management.

  • ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older

  • Not approved for bipolar disorder

  • Not approved for major depressive disorder

  • Once-daily extended-release capsule

Vyvanse vs. Qelbree Pros and Cons

Vyvanse

Vyvanse has decades of clinical use as a stimulant and is the only medication FDA-approved for both ADHD and binge eating disorder. As a Schedule II controlled substance, it requires more careful monitoring and carries a boxed warning for abuse and dependence.

Pros

  • Also FDA-approved for binge eating disorder

  • Reaches full effective dose within three weeks

  • Prodrug design lowers misuse risk via snorting or injection

  • Long track record with over 15 years of use

Cons

  • Schedule II controlled substance with abuse potential

  • Boxed warning for serious cardiovascular risk

  • Can suppress growth with long-term use in children

  • Not recommended for patients with structural heart problems

Qelbree

Qelbree offers an alternative for people who cannot or prefer not to take a stimulant, since it is not a controlled substance and has no known abuse potential. It takes longer to reach the maintenance dose and carries its own boxed warning for suicidal thoughts in younger patients.

Pros

  • Not a controlled substance, no abuse potential

  • Capsule can be opened and sprinkled on food

  • No cardiovascular boxed warning like stimulants

  • Novel mechanism for those who can't take stimulants

Cons

  • Boxed warning for suicidal thoughts in young people

  • Takes five weeks to reach maximum dose

  • Contraindicated with MAOIs and certain CYP1A2 drugs

  • No generic version currently available

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