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Compare Chlorpromazine vs. Thioridazine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Chlorpromazine
    Thioridazine
  • Chlorpromazine
    Thioridazine

  • Summary of Chlorpromazine vs. Thioridazine

    Summary for First Generation (Typical) Antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication that has many different uses. It's usually given as an oral medication, but in severe cases it can be given as an injection by your provider.

    Summary for First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    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.

  • Indications of Chlorpromazine vs. Thioridazine

    Indications for
    •Management of psychotic disorders
    •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 issues in children 1 to 12 years old (e.g., aggressive behavior, frustration, explosive or hyperexcitable behavior)
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia when other antipsychotic medications haven't worked well or have caused bothersome side effects

  • Pros and Cons of Chlorpromazine vs. Thioridazine

    Pros and Const for First Generation (Typical) Antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Available as a tablet and injection
    •Dose can be easily adjusted based on how you respond to the medication
    •Can be used in young children 6 months and older
    •Available in 5 different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Higher risk of death when used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Generally not recommended for use in pregnancy
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Can cause weight gain and tiredness
    Pros and Const for First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Less risk for weight gain than with atypical antipsychotics
    •Less likely to have problems with muscle movements than other antipsychotic medications
    •Available in many different strengths
    Cons
    •Must take many times a day
    •Not a first-choice option because it has many potential side effects
    •Can't take with certain medications, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and propranolol (Inderal), because it raises the risk for dangerous changes in heart rhythm

  • Common Side Effects of Chlorpromazine vs. Thioridazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Uncontrollable muscle movements (e.g., neck spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, sticking your tongue out)
    •Dry mouth
    •Stuffy nose
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Bladder problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Constipation
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Chlorpromazine vs. Thioridazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in people age 65 and older with dementia
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Changes in blood cell counts
    •High prolactin levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Chlorpromazine vs. Thioridazine

    Learn more about Chlorpromazine
    Learn more about Thioridazine

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