Online prescriptions for non-stimulant ADHD medications

Meet with a licensed psychiatrist or psychiatric NP online to discuss whether non-stimulant ADHD medication is right for you. Book online or call to schedule. Appointments often available same day or same week.

Treatment for:
ADHD

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find the right provider

    Browse providers online or call us and we’ll help you find someone who accepts your insurance and fits your needs. Pick a time that works for you and choose how you’d like to pay.

  • 2

    Get started with treatment

    At your first session, share what you’re experiencing and what you’re hoping to get out of treatment. Together, you’ll discuss your options—including whether medication might be a good fit. If so, your provider can send a prescription directly to your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Track your progress

    Your provider will check in regularly to make sure your treatment plan is working for you and adjust as needed.

Common non-stimulant ADHD medications

At Thriveworks, we may prescribe the following non-stimulant ADHD medications to help manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):

FAQs about non-stimulant ADHD medications

How do nonstimulant ADHD medications work?

Nonstimulant ADHD medications work in a few different ways, depending on the medication.

Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) work by slowing down how quickly the brain reabsorbs norepinephrine, a brain chemical tied to focus and alertness. Norepinephrine normally gets pulled back into the nerve cell that released it; these medications block that process, so more norepinephrine stays active in the brain.

Clonidine ER (Kapvay) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv) work differently. They directly activate certain brain receptors that help strengthen signals in the part of the brain responsible for attention, planning, and impulse control.

What is Qelbree and how does it work?

Qelbree is a nonstimulant ADHD medication containing viloxazine. It works by slowing down how quickly the brain reabsorbs norepinephrine, so more stays active between nerve cells. This is thought to be part of why it improves ADHD symptoms like focus, attention, and impulse control, though the exact link between that chemical change and symptom improvement isn’t fully understood. Unlike stimulant medications, which can work quickly, it can take a few weeks for Qelbree to start working.

What are the side effects of nonstimulant ADHD medications?

Side effects vary depending on which medication you’re taking, but common ones across nonstimulants include nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, and changes in sleep or appetite.

Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can also raise blood pressure and heart rate, while clonidine ER (Kapvay) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv) tend to lower blood pressure instead.

Atomoxetine and viloxazine both carry an FDA boxed warning—the strongest warning the FDA issues—for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts seen in clinical trials. For atomoxetine, this warning applies to children and adolescents; for viloxazine, it applies to children, adolescents, and adults too. That said, a large follow-up study of nearly 500,000 children and teens taking atomoxetine found no increased risk of actual suicide attempts compared to those taking a stimulant. Talk to your provider about this risk, especially if you or your child has a history of depression or suicidal thoughts.

How long do nonstimulant ADHD medications take to work?

You may notice subtle changes, like slightly better sleep or less reactivity, within the first two to three weeks, but it can take four to eight weeks to get the full benefit. Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to work than stimulants, so give it time, and don’t stop taking your medication without first talking to your provider.

What's the difference between atomoxetine (Strattera) and Qelbree (viloxazine)?

Both atomoxetine (Strattera) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are nonstimulant ADHD medications that work mainly by slowing down how quickly the brain reabsorbs norepinephrine, so more of it stays active. But Qelbree also directly affects certain serotonin receptors—something atomoxetine doesn’t do.

Both can be effective for ADHD, but Qelbree tends to start working faster: often within one to two weeks, compared to around four weeks for atomoxetine.

Atomoxetine has been available since 2002 and comes in a generic version, while Qelbree, approved more recently, is currently only available as the brand-name product.

Can I get a prescription for nonstimulant ADHD medication online?

Yes, you can often get a prescription online if your provider decides it’s clinically appropriate. If nonstimulant ADHD medication is a good fit, your provider can send the prescription straight to your local pharmacy.

Does insurance cover nonstimulant ADHD medication consultations at Thriveworks?

Yes, Thriveworks accepts more than 360 insurance plans and most cover psychiatric services. You can check your coverage before booking, with no commitment required.

If you’re prescribed medication, whether that’s covered depends on your specific insurance plan. Coverage for prescription medications is separate from the coverage for psychiatric services, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about your prescription drug benefits. Ask about any copays or deductibles that may apply to psychiatric medications, as well as any restrictions or prior authorization requirements.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Book a session with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks online or by calling [telephone]. At your first appointment, you’ll discuss your symptoms, treatment history, and goals. If medication is a good clinical fit, your provider may send a prescription to your local pharmacy.

Is Thriveworks LegitScript certified?

Yes, Thriveworks is LegitScript certified. Our services have been independently reviewed and verified by a leading compliance organization, confirming high standards for legality, safety, and transparency in prescribing medication like stimulants.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 8, 2026

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are primarily offered online, with in-person availability in select states.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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