[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [ADHD medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/adhd-medicines/) › Viloxazine

# 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.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## Quick facts

**Group**
[ADHD medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## 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) →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Slower weight gain in children

### Serious (rare, important)

- Suicidal thoughts and behaviour in children and adolescents (boxed warning)

## 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

## Memory aid

«VILOXazine = atomoxetine's cousin with a serotonin twist»: NET block plus 5-HT2B/2C action, no stimulant, watch suicidality.

## 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.

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[More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology)

## Connections

## Related drugs 2

- [Atomoxetine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/atomoxetine/)
- [Methylphenidate](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/methylphenidate/)

## Related conditions 1

- [Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/)

[← Back to the class: ADHD medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a621027.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=N06AX09) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/viloxazine/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/viloxazine/