Molindone: Drug Information

Brand Name: Moban, Lidone

Drug Class: Antipsychotic

Uses of Molindone:

Molindone belongs to the category of antipsychotic drugs and is used in the treatment of various psychotic conditions such as delusions, hallucinations and mental confusion associated with mania, schizophrenia or major depression. It works by altering the action of certain chemicals in the brain, thereby combating intense feelings of sadness, changes in appetite, disorganized thought pattern and aggressiveness.

Dosage:

It is essential for you to take the medication as prescribed by your physician in order to avoid any side effects. You must also not stop taking the medication abruptly without the consent of your doctor as it may worsen some of the symptoms of the disorder you are being treated for. The drug can be ingested with or without food.

Warning and Precautions:

It has been observed that long term treatment with Molindone increases the chances of developing tardive dyskinesia, a disorder characterized by repetitive and purposeless involuntary movements such as grimacing, lip puckering, eye blinking etc. Intake of this medicine also raises the level of prolactin in blood plasma. This medicine should not be given to patients diagnosed with breast cancer or who are in comatose state. Molindone should not be given to patients taking barbiturates and narcotics. Alcohol and other central nervous depressants should be avoided when taking this medicine. It is also recommended that you avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery that requires alertness after taking the medication. In case you are pregnant or nursing, then it is important for you to tell your doctor before taking Molindone.

Drug Interactions:

Molindone augments the effect of central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as alcohol, opiates, barbiturates and anesthetics. It also obstructs the absorption of phenytoin and tetracycline medications.

Side effects of Molindone:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include dry mouth, difficulty in swallowing, inability to move the eyes, mask like face, unusual chewing, loss of coordination, drowsiness, dizziness, muscle cramps, rapid worm like movements of the tongue, rigidity, tremors and restlessness.

Overdose:

In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.