Opinion
Video
Viloxazine for ADHD in Children and Adolescents
Author(s):
Panelists discuss how recent clinical studies on viloxazine in children and adolescents demonstrated early symptom improvement, dose-dependent efficacy, and tolerability, with the most benefit seen at 400 mg in those aged 11 and under.
Viloxazine represents the newest non-stimulant ADHD medication option, backed by comprehensive clinical trials involving approximately 1,200 pediatric patients. These robust studies demonstrate that viloxazine effectiveness increases with dosage, reaching optimal results at 400 milligrams for children and adolescents. The medication shows particular promise for patients over 11 years old, with excellent tolerability profiles across age groups. ADHD rating scale improvements indicate significant symptom reduction, with patients often moving from severe to moderate symptom ranges or moderate to mild ranges.
Clinical investigators observed rapid onset of action with viloxazine treatment, noting significant improvements as early as the first week in children and second week in adolescents compared to placebo groups. The pediatric studies included two phase-3 randomized, placebo-controlled trials for children ages 6-11 and two additional studies for adolescents. Low-dose studies examined 100-200mg targets, while high-dose studies evaluated 200-400mg ranges. The 600mg dosage failed to separate from placebo, establishing 400mg as the maximum effective dose for pediatric populations.
Common side effects of viloxazine in pediatric ADHD treatment include somnolence (drowsiness), decreased appetite, and headaches, occurring in approximately half of patients receiving active medication versus one-third of placebo recipients. These adverse events are generally well-tolerated and manageable. The extensive clinical trial data supports viloxazine as a valuable addition to ADHD treatment algorithms, particularly for families seeking non-stimulant alternatives or patients requiring 24-hour symptom coverage beyond traditional stimulant medication limitations.
Newsletter
Receive trusted psychiatric news, expert analysis, and clinical insights — subscribe today to support your practice and your patients.
