Chlorprothixene is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic belonging to the thioxanthene class, primarily used in the treatment of schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and severe agitation. It acts mainly by antagonizing dopamine D₂ receptors, which helps reduce psychotic symptoms, while also exhibiting sedative and anxiolytic properties due to its antihistaminic and anticholinergic effects. Introduced in the late 1950s, chlorprothixene was developed during the early expansion of psychopharmacology, following the success of chlorpromazine. It gained widespread use in Europe for managing psychosis, anxiety, and insomnia, particularly in hospitalized patients. Although its use has declined in many regions with the advent of atypical antipsychotics offering improved safety profiles, chlorprothixene remains clinically relevant in some countries for its strong sedative effects and long history of therapeutic application.
