Mellaril Alternatives

If Mellaril does not adequately control a person's symptoms of schizophrenia -- or if a person experiences bothersome side effects of Mellaril -- alternatives to the medicine may be considered. Among these possible Mellaril alternatives are therapy and other medications. Drug alternatives to Mellaril can include other typical antipsychotics and newer atypical antipsychotics.

An Overview of Mellaril Alternatives

Part of a class of drugs known as "typical antipsychotics," Mellaril® (thioridazine) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat schizophrenia.
 
Mellaril is part of a group of typical antipsychotics or first-generation antipsychotics. For most people, Mellaril is effective at treating symptoms of schizophrenia. Most people also tolerate the medication well. However, as with all medicines, it is possible that side effects will occur during treatment with Mellaril. Also, in some situations, the medicine may not adequately control a person's symptoms. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Mellaril, including:
 
  • Therapy
  • Other medications.
     

Therapy as a Mellaril Alternative

It is unlikely that therapy alone can replace the need for medication in people who have schizophrenia severe enough to require Mellaril treatment.
 However, therapy can be an important part of a well-rounded treatment plan. Numerous studies have found that psychosocial treatments as part of an overall treatment plan can be very helpful. This therapy helps patients who are already stabilized on antipsychotic medication deal with certain aspects of psychotic disorders, such as difficulty with:
 
  • Communication
  • Motivation
  • Self-care
  • Work
  • Establishing and maintaining relationships with others.
     

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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