Like any other prescription drug for ADHD, Qelbree has side effects too. Headaches and sleeping issues are common with Quelbee. Qlbree is classified as an SNRI, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. There is no generic version of the drug.
Did you know Qelbree received its FDA approval in 2021 on April 2nd? Now, it is officially used for ADHD treatment in adults and children over six years of age.
If your child or a loved one has ADHD or any other form of mental health condition, do not hesitate to contact Therapy Fleet for online consultation.
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Qelbree Side Effects
Qelrbee or Viloxazine is a prescription drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD symptoms) in children and adults. It is available in the form of an extended-release oral capsule. ER means the medication is released slowly in our system. The usual dose is one capsule per day for adults and children with ADHD. Qelbree belongs to non-stimulating medicine, which helps improve attention and focus and reduces impulsivity in patients.
Qelree increases the levels of norepinephrine (a chemical messenger in the brain) by hindering the protein presynaptic norepinephrine transporter. Studies suggest that low levels of these chemical messengers cause symptoms of ADHD. Qelbree belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class of drugs.
Qelbree used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder leads to many side effects. According to the clinical trials, some common side effects were;
- Fatigue
- nausea/ vomiting
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Sleeping problems
These are only the most common side effects; other symptoms may vary from person to person. Do not use the medicine without medical advice from your doctor.
The side effects are only temporary and will subside in a few days. If it doesn’t and the side effects get serious, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
Mild Qelbree Side Effects
Many people reported mild Qelbree side effects even with the correct drug administration.
- Mild allergic reaction
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- constipation
Serious Qulbree Side Effects
At times, Qelbree leads to some more severe side effects. Below, we have compiled a list. Please note the list needs to be completed. In case of a medical emergency, call 911 or visit an ER.
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Hypertension/high blood pressure ( nose bleeds, headaches)
- Shortness of breath
- Suicidal thoughts/behaviors
- Excessive drowsiness
- Serious allergic reaction ( swelling in your lips, hands, feet, eyelids), swelling of tongue, throat and mouth)
In case of suicidal thoughts and serious allergic reactions, please call 911
How to Manage Serious Qelbree Side Effects?
Managing serious side effects is important. To start, discuss all your current medical conditions with the doctor. Treatment of ADHD should not exceed the desired time. The symptoms wear off following months of treatment; however, if you notice sudden changes in the behaviour of your family member with ADHD, contact your doctor immediately
1. Suicidal Thoughts & Behaviors
Qelbree comes with a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts/behaviors. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA. The aim is to bring the focus of the doctors and the individuals about what to expect from the drug.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors were not common in the clinical trials, but when they happened in children and adults, the following symptoms were reported.
- Agitation
- Panic attacks
- Irritability
- Mania
- Depression
- harmful/impulsive behaviour
- Trouble sleeping
Note- suicidal thoughts will be more in the initial days of the medicine. People suffering from other mental health conditions are more vulnerable to it.
How to Manage
Your healthcare professional will monitor you for the signs mentioned above during the initial days of the treatment. If your loved one is taking the treatment, tell the doctor about any mental health condition they suffer from. If the warning signs are noticed and the patient gets suicidal, the doctor will change the medicine.
2. Decreased Appetite
Qelbree is a prescription medicine, and one of the most common side effects of Qelbree in clinical trials was a decrease in appetite. Qulbree makes the person less hungry, and because of fewer hunger pangs, a small decrease in weight loss is noticed in individuals treated with Qulbree.
How to Manage a Decrease in Appetite
The lack of hunger is only temporary and should not cause panic. Your hunger pangs will return as your body adjusts to the new medicine. However, if you notice a drastic decrease in weight and don’t feel hungry even after some time, contact your doctor. They can suggest ways to overcome it.
3. Sleeping Problems
Drowsiness and insomnia are common with Qelbree. It is a common Qelbrew side effect noticed in clinical trials. Due to insomnia, a few people/adults stopped the medication because they were unable to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up too early. This poor sleep quality affected their life. If you suffer from insomnia, do not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery.
How to Manage Sleep Issues
If insomnia affects your life and daily routine, talk to your doctor. They may adjust the dose. Although, the side effects lessen over time. Be patient. Ask your healthcare provider about ways to manage these sleep issues.
4. Allergic Reaction
The allergic reaction was not reported in clinical trials. However, it can occur in rare cases.
How to Manage Allergic Reaction-
If the symptoms are mild, stay put. In case of a serious reaction, as we saw above, call your doctor right away, or if any medical emergency occurs ( difficulty breathing, swelling of mouth and tongue), call 911.
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Qelbree Precautions
Qelbree with a controlled substance. Discuss your medical history with the prescribing doctor. Qelbree interacts with specific medications, and to avoid serious side effects or reactions, list all the medicines you use regularly. Some conditions and factors to discuss are;
- Suppose you have had a history of allergic reactions to Qelbree in the past. Discuss the other treatment plans with the doctor.
- Suppose you have heart problems or suffer from hypertension. Qelbree increases the heart rate and blood pressure in some individuals. Your doctor will do a medical assessment before prescribing Qelbree to you.
- If you suffer from other mental health conditions, Qelbrew can increase suicidal thoughts. Do not keep any information from your doctor. To get the right treatment for ADHD you need to tell everything to your doctor.
- Do not use Qelbree if you are on monoamine oxidase inhibitors because of drug interaction. When used simultaneously, it can cause hypertension.
- Qelbree can affect the kidneys. If you have prior kidney problems, discuss them with the healthcare provider, and they will adjust the dose or change the medication.
Note- do not use alcohol when using Qelbree, as it increases the risk of side effects like nausea, headaches, and dizziness.
The use of Qelbree in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not encouraged because not many studies show it is safe. If you become pregnant while on Qulbree, stop the medicine after consultation with your doctor. They may change the medicine or advise you for an alternate treatment.
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Drug Interactions of Qulbree
List down all the medications you use in your routine; this includes any OTCs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Qulbree interacts with specific medicines, causing potential adverse effects. Talk to your healthcare professional, and he will decide the best course of action for your ADHD management.
If you or your child is using the following drugs, do not use Qelbree, or at least tell your doctor.
- Alosetron
- MAO inhibitors
- Ramelton
- Duloxetine
- Theophylline
- Tizanidine and
- Tasimelteon
Using Qelbree with the above medications can lead to adverse reactions and/or reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. Qelbree comes with a boxed warning due to the risk of high suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is especially more often during the initial weeks of the treatment. Keep a close eye on your child’s behaviors and moods. If you see any changes in your behavior and moods after taking Qelbree, inform the healthcare providers immediately.
How to Take Qelbree?
Like any other medication, use Qelbree only as directed by your doctor. Take the capsules one time a day without or with food. Do not chew or crush the capsule, and do not open it. If you find swallowing difficult, mix the contents of Qelbree in applesauce food. Do not chew, just swallow.
If you follow the doctor’s advice, the side effects will be minimal. Do not alter the dose yourself; the doctor will do so when it’s time. Keep your blood pressure and heart rate in check.
Qelbree Dosage
Pediatric Dose for ADHD
6-11 years of age.
- The initial dose is 100mg orally/day
- The dose might be increased via titration of 100mg/week ( individual response plays a huge factor)
- Maximum dose is 400mg/day
12-17 Years of Age
- The initial dose is 200mg/day orally
- The dose increases after a week via titration to 400 mg/day based on tolerance and response
- Maximum dose is 400mg/day
Adult Dose of Qelbree for ADHD
- The recommended initial dose is 200mg/day
- The dose increases in titration from 200mg/weekly to a maximum of 600mg/day
Bottom Line
To conclude, Qelbree is effective in managing the symptoms of ADHD. That said, Qelbree has side effects like all other medications. However, Qelbree side effects are mild, and it is generally declared a safe mode of treatment for ADHD. But, as each individual varies, so do the side effects. In case of serious potential side effects that are difficult to manage, please contact your doctor immediately. Read the medication guide or consult your child’s doctor for more drug information.
NOTE- if your doctor has prescribed you Qelbree, then the benefits are definitely more than the side effects. Follow his advice.
If you are looking for alternate medications, check Adderall and discuss it with your doctor.
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Medical Disclaimer:
At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.
Managing Qelbree side effects can be eased by closely following your doctor’s instructions, staying hydrated, and monitoring symptoms closely for timely intervention.
FAQS
1. Will Qelbree side effects fade?
Yes, the side effects fade away in a few weeks. But, if they do not and are causing problems and become more serious, contact the prescribing doctor. Some people stopped the drug in clinical trials because of frequent headaches and insomnia.
2. Are Qulbree side effects serious? Should I stop treatment?
Qelbree side effects vary from mild to serious. If you develop serious complications like allergic reactions or drowsiness, stop the treatment and visit your doctor immediately. Call 911 or visit your nearest Emergency Centre in case of a medical emergency.
3. Is Qelbree non-addictive?
Yes, with Qelbree, the non-addictive treatment options for ADHD have become common. Qelbree is a non-stimulant medication for treating ADHD in children and adults
