Thioridazine: A Typical Antipsychotic Treatment of Schizophrenia

Course overview

Thioridazine is a first-generation, typical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. It acts as a centrally acting dopamine receptor antagonist that also serves as an antagonist at histamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin receptors. In recent years, thioridazine has been replaced by many of the atypical antipsychotics that are known to have fewer extrapyramidal side effects. Warnings exist with the use of thioridazine relative to cardiac complications and an increased risk of sudden death, and there are age-related complications, such as hypertension and increased fall risk. The common side effects, risks, and benefits of thioridazine are discussed.