Moban (molindone) is an antipsychotic medication belonging to the typical group of antipsychotics. It was developed to help manage the accompanying symptoms of schizophrenia. Moban is a prescription-only medication that alters the effects of dopamine in the brain, typically resulting in reduced psychoses. The hallucinations, strong emotions, and delusions that can sometimes accompany schizophrenia may be controlled, but not permanently cured by this medication.

As of January 13, 2010, Moban was discontinued by its producer Endo® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this was the result of a business decision and not because of safety reasons. If you have been taking this medication and you live in the U.S., you should consult with your doctor to choose a suitable alternative.

Dosage

  • How can I take Moban safely?
    This medication comes in tablet form and is taken two to three times each day. It should be taken at the same time each day to keep the level of medication delivered consistent. Doctors often start people in treatment on a low dose of the drug and then increase the dose over time until the symptoms are relieved. In most cases, the starting dosage is 50-75mg per day. After three to four days, this dosage may be increased to 100mg per day. Individuals who display severe symptoms may be prescribed as much as 225mg per day. Older adults and debilitated people are usually started on a lower dosage. When taken orally, this medication is quickly absorbed into the system. The effects of a single oral dose may last for 24-36 hours.

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    What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
    Take the medication you missed as soon as you remember it. However, if you are approaching the time for your next dosage, do not take the missed dose. Instead, continue with your regular dosing schedule. Taking too much of this medication over a short period of time may lead to an overdose.
  • What should I do if I overdose?
    Call a poison control help line or call your doctor right away. Symptoms such as slowed or uncontrollable movements, dizziness, sleepiness, drooling, difficulty swallowing, seizures, and loss of consciousness may indicate an overdose.
  • How can I get the most out of treatment with Moban?
    In many cases, pairing psychotropic medication with a type of psychotherapy may help increase the quality of life for a person experiencing a mental health conditions than drugs alone. While antipsychotic medication such as Moban may be useful to someone experiencing debilitating symptoms, it does not address emotions, behaviors, or teach positive coping methods for mental health conditions. Research indicates that psychotherapy and medication combined produce better, long-lasting results than medication alone. If you are prescribed an antipsychotic medication such as Moban, consider finding a therapist or counselor to learn more about the condition you are experiencing.

Important Information to Consider Before Use

Do not take Moban if you have had an allergic reaction to this medication in the past. Certain medications may not interact well with this drug. Avoid using this medication with antihistamines, narcotic pain relievers, barbiturates, sleeping pills, medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease, and some antibiotics. Check with your doctor and report any medications or supplements, including herbal products, vitamins, and minerals that you are currently taking. Do not take new medications without first consulting your doctor.

This medication is not recommended for older adults with dementia as it may increase the risk of death because of cardiovascular issues or infection. Prolonged use of this medication may result in a chronic movement condition known as tardive dyskinesia. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a potentially fatal complex characterized by high fever, muscle rigidity, irregular heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, irregular blood pressure, excessive sweating, and an altered mental state, may develop.

If you are currently experiencing depression or have experienced depression in the past, you should talk to your doctor before you start to take this drug. You should also mention any history of breast cancer, liver disease, low white blood cell count, heart disease, or seizures and any serious reactions or side effects that you have had to other similar medications. This drug may obscure signs of brain tumor or intestinal obstruction.
As safe and effective pediatric use of this medication has not been established, it is not recommended for the treatment of children younger than 12 years of age.

Important Information to Consider While Using Moban

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase or decreased your individualized dosage, or alter your dosing schedule unless advised to do so.

Avoid alcoholic beverages when taking this drug; combining alcohol and this medication may make you very drowsy and may increase the severity of potential side effects. Be especially careful when driving, operating heavy machinery, or climbing as this medication may reduce your alertness and reaction time.

If engaging in physical exercise, avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. This medication may result in a reduction in perspiration and may make individuals more prone to heat injury.

If taken during pregnancy, this medication may cause problems in newborns. As there is limited published data on the effect of this drug on breast-fed human infants, it is recommended that you do not breastfeed while taking this medication. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking Moban, you should talk to your doctor about your medication options. The expected benefits for the person in treatment must be weighed against the unknown risks to the fetus if this drug is prescribed during pregnancy. Risperidone and haloperidol are alternative medications which may be prescribed.

If you are undergoing surgery or sedation dentistry, you should let your dentist or surgeon know that you are taking this drug.

Possible Side Effects

Serious side effects of this medication may include:

  • Fever, muscle stiffness, or neck cramps
  • Confusion or seizures
  • Irregular or fast heartbeat
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing; tightness in throat or neck
  • Involuntary puffing of the cheeks or uncontrollable movements of the mouth, face, or jaw; a tongue that protrudes from the mouth, or unusual tongue movements
  • Vision problems, particularly at night
  • Erection that lasts for hours

Less serious side effects of this medication may include:

  • Blurred vision, drowsiness, or dizziness
  • Stomach and digestive system upset, including constipation and nausea
  • Dry mouth or increased saliva; lip smacking or puckering
  • Restlessness or agitation
  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Hyperactive behavior
  • Blank facial expression or shuffling walk
  • Depression or discouragement
  • Breast swelling or discharge; missed menstrual periods
  • Difficulty urinating

How to Safely Withdraw from Moban

Your doctor will likely reduce your Moban dosage over time if you need to stop taking this medication. Tapering off the dosage instead of abruptly stopping this medication will lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Possible symptoms of withdrawal may include:

  • Drowsiness, shakiness, or dizziness
  • Stomach upset or nausea
  • Hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms

References:

  1. Drugs.com. (2013). Moban. Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/mtm/moban.html
  2. Medline Plus. (2011). Molindone. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682238.html
  3. RxList. (2011). Moban. Retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/moban-drug.htm
  4. United States Food and Drug Administration. (2009) Moban. Retrieved from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/017111s066lbl.pdf

Page content reviewed by James Pendleton, ND.