Viloxazine
ADHD medicines
ADHD medicines
A non-stimulant for ADHD that raises noradrenaline; once an antidepressant in Europe. Carries a warning about suicidal thoughts in young people.
Quick facts
- Group
- ADHD medicines
- Target
- Noradrenaline transporter (NET); also serotonin 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors
- Used for
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Key effects
- Loss of appetite · Tiredness · Headache
- Monitor
- Mood · Appetite and weight in children
- ATC
- N06AX09
No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.
Mechanism of action
Viloxazine was long described as a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor: blocking NET raises noradrenaline, as atomoxetine does. More recent work shows it also acts on serotonin receptors, as a 5-HT2B antagonist and a 5-HT2C agonist, which may contribute to its effect on attention and behaviour. It is not a stimulant.
- Viloxazine blocks noradrenaline reuptake (NET)
- It also acts on 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors
- More prefrontal noradrenaline: better attention
- Not a stimulant; watch mood and suicidal thoughts
Indications
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) →
Adverse effects
Common
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Slower weight gain in children
Contraindications
- MAO inhibitor use now or within the previous two weeks
Key interactions
- MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, rasagiline)
- Contraindicated: risk of a dangerous rise in noradrenaline
What is monitored
- Mood, behaviour and suicidal thoughts, especially early and after changes
- Appetite and weight in children
- Screening for bipolar disorder before starting
Administration and safety
- Capsules are swallowed whole, or opened and sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce and eaten within two hours
- The capsule contents are not chewed or crushed
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Human data are limited; use weighs benefit and risk.
Nursing care
- Teaches the family to watch for withdrawal, hopelessness or new suicidal thoughts and to report them at once
- Asks about family history of bipolar disorder or suicide before starting
- Follows appetite and weight in children
- Checks the medicine list for MAO inhibitors
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Extended-release capsule by mouth, with or without food
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Is viloxazine a stimulant?
No; it is a non-stimulant that blocks noradrenaline reuptake and acts on 5-HT2B/2C receptors.
What is the boxed warning of viloxazine?
Suicidal thoughts and behaviour in children and adolescents.
Which drug group is contraindicated with viloxazine?
MAO inhibitors, now or in the previous two weeks.
Connections
← Back to the class: ADHD medicines
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Viloxazine: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.