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Molindone: what it treats, how to take it, side effects

Updated Sep 7, 20263 min readMedication
On this pageShort answer What does it treat? How do you take it? Side effects to know Who should not take it? When is it an emergency? What a Pymander AI doctor consult looks like Common questions Sources Related questions
Short answer

**Molindone is a prescription antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia.**

It reduces abnormal excitement in your brain. It increases the risk of death in older adults with dementia and is not approved for their dementia-related psychosis.

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What does it treat?

You may receive molindone for schizophrenia symptoms such as hearing voices, strongly held false beliefs, or disorganized thinking, after a clinician evaluates their cause.

How do you take it?

You take 5, 10, or 25 mg tablets, usually three or four times daily, with or without food. The labeled adult starting total is 50 to 75 mg daily, increasing to 100 mg daily after 3 or 4 days as prescribed; older or debilitated adults start lower. Maintenance dosing is individualized. The highest labeled daily dose is 225 mg for severe symptoms. Take a missed dose when remembered unless your next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never double doses. Stop and get emergency help for fever with severe stiffness and confusion.

Side effects to know

Common: You may experience sleepiness, restlessness, stiffness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, or dizziness when standing.

Serious: Stop taking molindone and get emergency help for neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which causes fever, rigid muscles, and confusion, or an allergic reaction affecting breathing. Report new involuntary mouth or tongue movements promptly because tardive dyskinesia can persist.

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Who should not take it?

Do not take it with a known molindone allergy or severe suppression of alertness from alcohol or sedatives. Discuss seizures, low white blood cells, breast cancer, and falls with your doctor. Review all medicines, especially opioids, sleeping medicines, phenytoin, and tetracycline antibiotics. Avoid alcohol. Pregnancy requires weighing benefits against fetal risks; breast milk exposure is unknown.

When is it an emergency?

In an emergency, call 911

For overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Signs include uncontrolled movements or unconsciousness. Call 911 for collapse, breathing trouble, seizures, inability to awaken, or throat swelling suggesting anaphylaxis. Fever with rigid muscles and confusion also needs emergency care.

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What a Pymander AI doctor consult looks like

Have you developed new mouth, tongue, or other movements you cannot control?
No, but I feel sleepy after my doses.
Sleepiness can occur with molindone; today we would review your dose, timing, and other medicines with your prescriber. If uncontrolled movements appear, you need prompt in-person assessment. I can offer you a care note.
Care noteReview your molindone treatmentFits a medication review for sleepiness during treatment. Plan: Review your prescription and other medicines today. Watch: New involuntary movements or fever with sore throat need same-day in-person care; fever with rigidity and confusion needs emergency care.View care note →
Illustrative example, not a real member's messages.

Common questions

What is the maximum daily dose?

The highest labeled dose is 225 mg daily. It is reserved for severe symptoms. Do not increase your dose yourself.

Can I drink alcohol?

Avoid alcohol. It can worsen sleepiness and dizziness. Do not drive until you know your response.

What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Contact your prescriber. Late pregnancy exposure can cause newborn movement, breathing, or feeding problems. Milk levels are unknown. Do not stop treatment on your own.

Do I need food?

No special diet is required. You can take it with or without food. Keep consistent dose times.

What does an overdose look like?

Uncontrolled movements or unconsciousness can occur. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Call 911 for collapse or breathing trouble.

Which interactions matter?

Have your pharmacist review sedatives and opioids. Calcium in these tablets can reduce phenytoin or tetracycline absorption. Ask for specific timing instructions.

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