Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 10/13/2025

Mechanism of Action of Qelbree (Viloxazine)

Primary Mechanism

  • Viloxazine significantly increases serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex, as demonstrated in microdialysis studies in freely moving rats, and elicits moderate activity at dopaminergic systems, though this is not its primary mechanism 1

Neurotransmitter Modulation

  • The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends caution when combining viloxazine with other serotonergic agents due to potential serotonin syndrome risk, particularly in the first 24-48 hours after initiation or dose adjustments 2
  • Viloxazine's dual serotonin-norepinephrine modulation represents a mechanistically distinct profile, unlike atomoxetine, which is a pure norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor 2

REFERENCES

2

Viloxazine Adverse Effects and Clinical Considerations [LINK]

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025