Which medication is classified as a typical antipsychotic?

Thioridazine is classified as a typical antipsychotic. Typical antipsychotics, also known as first-generation antipsychotics, primarily work by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, which helps alleviate the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. Thioridazine has been used historically to treat various psychotic disorders and is notable for its sedative effects.

In contrast, the other medications listed are not classified as typical antipsychotics. Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic, which means it has a different receptor profile, often leading to a different side effect profile and treatment efficacy, particularly for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that works as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and is used primarily to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Sertraline is also an antidepressant, specifically a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), utilized for various mood and anxiety disorders but does not possess antipsychotic properties.

Therefore, the identification of thioridazine as a typical antipsychotic showcases an understanding of the classifications and mechanisms of these different psychiatric medications.