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Chlorpromazine vs. Thioridazine

Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat many conditions that affect the brain and nervous system, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ongoing hiccups. It works by blocking certain chemicals in the body, like histamine and dopamine. Your dose depends on why you’re taking it and how severe your symptoms are, but it’s usually taken three or four times a day. Common side effects include drowsiness and movement problems.

• Management of psychotic conditions
• Schizophrenia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Restlessness and anxiety before surgery
• Acute intermittent porphyria
• Tetanus
• Manic episodes of bipolar disorder
• Hiccups that won't go away
• Severe behavioral problems in children (ages 1 to 12) with extreme aggression or explosive behavior
• Short-term treatment for children with hyperactivity, focus problems, or mood swings

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Urination problems

• Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia
• Uncontrolled muscle movements
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Changes in blood cell counts
• High prolactin levels
• Falls and fractures

Thioridazine, previously known under the brand name Mellaril, treats adults and children with schizophrenia. This first-generation antipsychotic, or also called typical antipsychotic, is typically used only when other antipsychotic medications haven't worked well. Thioridazine tablets are taken by mouth a few times throughout the day. The dosage depends on how well the medication is helping with your symptoms and whether you're having side effects like dry mouth, sleepiness, and nausea. Thioridazine can also cause a serious heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation, so it's not a first-choice option.

• Schizophrenia when other antipsychotic medications haven't worked well or have caused bothersome side effects

• Sleepiness
• Dry mouth
• Blurry vision
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

• Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
• Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
• Difficulty controlling body movements
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
• Higher risk of falls
• Lower white blood cell count (leading to possible risk for infection)
• Possible high prolactin levels
• Harm to an unborn baby