Molindone

Generic name: molindone [ MOE-lin-done ]
Brand name: Moban
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg; 25 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antipsychotic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 9, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is molindone?

Molindone is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia.

Molindone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Molindone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

High doses or long-term use of molindone can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use molindone, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult.

Molindone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• any new or unusual muscle movements you cannot control;

• tremor (uncontrolled shaking);

• trouble breathing or swallowing;

• a seizure (convulsions);

• (in women) irregular menstrual periods, breast or vaginal changes, nipple discharge;

• (in men) breast swelling, impotence;

• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out; or

• low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing.

Common side effects of molindone may include:

• drowsiness;

• fast heart rate, feeling restless or nevous, being unable to sit still;

• blurred vision;

• dry mouth;

• little or no urination;

• nausea, constipation;

• breast swelling or discharge;

• impotence, sexual problems; or

• changes in your menstrual periods.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not use molindone if you have decreased alertness caused by taking certain medications or drinking alcohol.

Molindone is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use molindone if you are allergic to it, or:

• if you have decreased alertness caused by taking certain medications or drinking alcohol.

Molindone may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• low white blood cell (WBC) counts;

• urination problems; or

• breast cancer.

Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop taking molindone without your doctor's advice.

It is not known whether molindone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using molindone. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How should I take molindone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may not start feeling better right away when you start taking molindone. For best results, keep using the medication as directed.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Molindone dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Schizophrenia:

Initial Dosing Schedule:
-Recommended dose: 50 to 75 mg orally per day, increasing the dose to 100 mg/day in 3 to 4 days
-Maximum dose: 225 mg/day

Maintenance Dosing Schedule:
-Mild symptomology: 5 to 15 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
-Moderate symptomology: 10 to 25 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
-Severe symptomology: Up to 225 mg/day

Comments:
-Patients with severe symptomology may require 225 mg/day.
-Elderly and/or debilitates patients should begin on the lower dosage.

Use: Management of schizophrenia

Usual Pediatric Dose for Schizophrenia:

12 to 18 years:
Initial Dosage Schedule:
-Recommended dose: 50 to 75 mg orally per day, increasing the dose to 100 mg/day in 3 to 4 days
-Maximum dose: 225 mg/day

Maintenance Dosing Schedule:
-Mild symptomology: 5 to 15 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
-Moderate symptomology: 10 to 25 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
-Severe symptomology: Up to 225 mg/day

Comments:
-Patients with severe symptomology may require 225 mg/day.
-Debilitated patients should begin on the lower dosage.

Use: Management of schizophrenia

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking molindone?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how molindone will affect you. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

What other drugs will affect molindone?

Taking molindone with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• phenytoin; or

• an antibiotic such as demeclocycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect molindone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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