Thioridazine (Mellaril) is a drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. It is a phenothiazine drug, belonging to a class of drugs known as antipsychotics. Thioridazine has been used for over 50 years and is still prescribed to treat a variety of mental health conditions.
Thioridazine works by blocking the actions of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that has been linked to many psychiatric disorders. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, thereby reducing the amount of dopamine that is available to stimulate activity in the brain. This can help reduce symptoms associated with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
The most common side effects associated with the use of thioridazine include dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and restlessness. In some cases, thioridazine may cause a condition called tardive dyskinesia, which is characterized by involuntary movements of the face, tongue, and other parts of the body. Other rare but serious side effects include decreased white blood cell count, increased risk of stroke, and an increased risk of death.
Thioridazine is not recommended for use in children or adolescents, as its safety and efficacy have not been established in this population. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as thioridazine may cause harm to the developing fetus or infant.
In summary, thioridazine is a phenothiazine drug used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, thus reducing the amount of dopamine available to stimulate activity in the brain. Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and restlessness. More serious side effects include tardive dyskinesia, decreased white blood cell count, increased risk of stroke, and an increased risk of death. Thioridazine should not be used in children or adolescents, and it is contraindicated for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Flockhart, D.A. (2007). Drug Interactions: Cytochrome P450 Drug Interaction Table. Indiana University School of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medicine.iu.edu/departments/medicine/divisions/pharmacology-toxicology/drug-interactions/cyp-drug-interaction-table/.
Khan, A., & Khan, S. (2010). Thioridazine revisited: A review of its pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects. Psychiatric Times, 27(9), 20-25.
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2020). Thioridazine. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682625.html.