What Is Molindone Used For?

Molindone is used for controlling the symptoms of schizophrenia. Although the drug cannot cure the condition, it can significantly improve symptoms. Molindone is approved for use in both adults and children age 12 years old and up. At this time, there are no universally accepted "off-label" uses for the drug.

 

What Is Molindone Used For? -- An Overview

 Molindone hydrochloride (Moban®) is a prescription medicine known as a typical or first-generation antipsychotic. It is approved to treat schizophrenia.
 
Schizophrenia is one of the most disabling and confusing mental illnesses. Although the causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood at this time, it is currently thought that genetics and environmental factors play important roles. Depending on the type of schizophrenia (see Types of Schizophrenia), symptoms may include the following:
 
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Speaking infrequently, even when forced to interact
  • Flat affect (immobile facial expression, monotonous voice)
  • Lack of pleasure in everyday life
  • Thought disorders
  • Poor executive functioning (the ability to absorb and interpret information and make decisions based on that information)
  • An inability to stay focused
  • Disorders of movement
  • A diminished ability to initiate and sustain planned activity
  • Problems with working memory (the ability to keep recently learned information in mind and use it right away).
     
Although psychotherapy may be helpful for schizophrenia (see Psychosocial Therapy for Schizophrenics), medication is often necessary for successful schizophrenia treatment. Molindone can help improve the symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia), but is not a cure for the condition.
 
(What Is Molindone Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;