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Overview: Molindone is used to treat schizophrenia. It belongs to a group of medicines called first-generation (typical) antipsychotics. Common side effects include blurred vision, constipation, and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Tell your health care provider right away if you get unusual movements or a fever.

Uses

What is molindone used for?

Molindone is commonly used to treat schizophrenia.

Molindone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does molindone work (mechanism of action)?

Molindone belongs to a group of medicines called first-generation (typical) antipsychotics. It blocks some areas in the brain where the natural chemical, dopamine, works. This lowers the effect of dopamine in the body. Dopamine affects your behavior and thinking.

How is molindone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Moban

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg oral tablets

How should I store molindone?

Molindone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of molindone?

The most common side effects of molindone are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Inability to empty your bladder
  • Restlessness

There may be other side effects of molindone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of molindone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of molindone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Molindone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking molindone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Parkinson-like Symptoms. Molindone may cause involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. It can also cause drooling, falling, or walking or balance problems. These are called Parkinson-like symptoms or parkinsonism. Call your health care provider right away if you get any Parkinson-like symptoms.

Uncontrolled Movements. Molindone can cause some people to have movements that they cannot control. This condition, called tardive dyskinesia (TD), can cause jerky movements of the face, tongue, or body. TD can be permanent. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of TD.

  • Tongue sticking out
  • Lip smacking or puckering
  • Grimacing
  • Rapid eye blinking
  • Jerking or twisting motion of the arms, legs, or trunk

Blood Disorders. Molindone can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, low neutrophil levels (neutropenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Sores in your mouth or throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Antipsychotic medicines like molindone can cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Call your health care provider right away or get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • High fever
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
  • Changes in your breathing or heart rate
  • Increased sweating
  • Confusion

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) and Falls. Molindone may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly.  If you feel faint or dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak

High Prolactin Levels (Hyperprolactinemia). Molindone may cause an increased level of the hormone prolactin in your blood. High levels of prolactin could lead to fertility or bone problems. Contact your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Irregular or no periods
  • Production of breast milk when not pregnant or nursing
  • Inability to get or keep an erection
  • Decreased muscle mass and body hair
  • Enlarged breast size (gynecomastia)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use molindone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take molindone.

  • Molindone
  • Moban
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific molindone products they stock.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression. Molindone should not be used by people who have severe central nervous system (CNS) depression from a medical condition, alcohol, or a medicine like an opioid. People with severe CNS depression may have confusion, memory problems, slow or shallow breathing, slowed response or reaction time, or trouble staying awake

What should I know about molindone before using it?

Do not take molindone unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share molindone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep molindone out of the reach of children.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk of some side effects from molindone. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Molindone can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how molindone affects you.

What should I tell my health care provider before using molindone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if molindone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Psychosis Related to Dementia. There is a higher risk of death in older adults who take molindone or another antipsychotic and have psychosis related to dementia. Molindone is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Breast cancer
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low blood cell levels
  • Brain cancer
  • Blockage of your bowels

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how molindone could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Taking molindone during the third trimester of pregnancy could cause a newborn baby to have symptoms such as agitation, breathing problems, or trouble feeding. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take molindone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if molindone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does molindone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between molindone and foods or drinks.

Do not drink alcohol. Molindone must not be taken by people who have confusion, slow or shallow breathing, slowed response or reaction time, or trouble staying awake. All of these symptoms may be caused by alcohol.

Does molindone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking molindone.

  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety
  • A barbiturate, such as butalbital, phenobarbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • An opioid, such as codeine, fentanyl, morphine, or oxycodone, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • A tetracycline, such as doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), sarecycline (Seysara), or tetracycline, which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditions

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with molindone. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much molindone?

If you or someone else has used too much molindone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of molindone?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.