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
Qelbree
Vyvanse vs. Qelbree Dosage
Vyvanse
Qelbree
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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