What is Thioridazine?

Thioridazine (Mellaril or Melleril) was a piperidine typical antipsychotic drug belonging to the phenothiazine drug group and was previously widely used in the treatment of schizophrenia and psychosis; it was withdrawn worldwide in 2005 because it caused severe cardiac arrhythmias.

In older references, it is sometimes described as atypical, but more recently it is usually described as typical, with the term "atypical" usually reserved for agents showing D4 selectivity or serotonin antagonism. The atypicality of second generation agents is not clearly defined. Some believe it's low D2 affinity, quick dissociation, 5-HT2A receptor antagonism, or all of the above. Its perceived atypical effects (namely its comparatively low propensity for extrapyramidal side effects) are likely the result of its potent anticholinergic effects.