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Haldol vs. Thioridazine

Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic used to treat several behavioral and psychiatric conditions in adults and children. This medication is taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times per day. Side effects of haloperidol include sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.

• Psychotic and behavioral disorders
• Tourette syndrome in adults and children
• Hyperactivity in children

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Tremor
• Muscle spasms
• Abnormal muscle movement
• Mood changes (anxiety, depression)
• Trouble sleeping
• Restlessness

• Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
• Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
• Difficulty controlling body movements
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
• Higher risk of falls
• Pneumonia
• Low white blood cell counts
• Harm to unborn babies

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