Antidepressant drugs Classification and Tricyclic antidepressants

Overview Introduction to Antidepressants-    • Introduction to Antidepressants   Antidepressant drugs MAO inhibitors -    • Antidepressant drugs MAO inhibitors   Antidepressant drugs are classified based on their mechanism of action, primarily targeting neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) to restore mood balance. The major classes include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine), and Atypical Antidepressants (e.g., bupropion, mirtazapine). Their medicinal chemistry involves optimizing lipophilicity for blood-brain barrier penetration, modifying functional groups to enhance receptor selectivity, and improving metabolic stability to minimize side effects. Key pharmacokinetic challenges include first-pass metabolism (notable in TCAs and MAOIs) and interactions with cytochrome P450 enzymes affecting drug clearance. Learning outcomes Antidepressants Definition and causes of depression Chemical classification of drugs Discovery, SAR, MOA, Metabolism, ADRs, and uses of TCAs MOA, Metabolism, ADRs, and uses of MAOIs SSRIs   Activities Introduction to Depression    • Introduction to Antidepressants