The antipsychotic action of thioridazine is of use mainly for the treatment of schizophrenia. Compared to many other neuroleptic agents, higher doses of thioridazine must be administered to achieve the desired effect. It is therefore classified as mildly potent, but in principal its antipsychotic properties are not inferior to other neuroleptic agents. Individual response, past experiences with neuroleptic agents, and potential side-effects (e.g. pronounced sedation with thioridazine) must be considered when a neuroleptic agent is chosen. Because of its strong sedative effect it is well suited for violent and agitated patients. But it can also have a beneficial effect in subjects in whom depressive symptoms are the main problem.

Thioridazine is also used for the treatment of autistic children and of epileptic children with behavioural disorders. However, there is little documentation for these indications.

Low doses of the drug are also used in agitated and anxious elderly people. According to certain studies, it is similarly effective as diazepam for these indications.

Benzodiazepines are generally more effective for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

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