Molindone: what it treats, how to take it, side effects
Last updated September 7, 2026.
**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.
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.
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?
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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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.