Anti-Depressants

- The Chemistry Behind Them

Part 2 of my Dopamine project :)

Done by: Tuwaij Sarrar

Content Overview

Video Anti-Depressants
01 Introduction
Short Animated video to
get us started!
02 An introduction to them,
why and when they are
used!

Different Anti- The Chemistry

03 Depressants
A range of them, and their
uses.
04 Behind Anti-
Depressants
01
 Introduction
Antidepressants are a class of
medication that is used to treat
mood-related disorders, like
depression, anxiety, OCD, etc.
Each antidepressant is prescribed for
a specific result. Generally, the way
they work is by helping the brain
generate an increased amount of Me too
the neurotransmitters and
hormones lacked by the patient; For
example:
1. Dopamine
2. Epinephrine
What you should know:
Dosages & Duration Side Effects Effectiveness
Antidepressants are usually Different medications As mentioned before, these
taken in the form of Tablets. can have a range of medications work to help
The dosage typically starts on side effects, Always get rid of certain disorders,
the lowest possible dosage check the information or more accurately, to get
thought to improve your provided about the side rid of feelings and
case. effects of your preventing them from
They usually take 1-2 weeks of coming back.
prescribed medicine!
intake to show positive Whether or not theyre
effects. effective is a controversial
Mild side effects at the
Most antidepressants topic, it depends on the
beginning may seem scary, have mild side effects. case of the patient in terms
but they wear off once the of mild, moderate, severe,
body gets used to the intake! *examples later* or chronic.
The 3 Most Common Anti-Depressants
1. Citalopram (Celexa)
It is used to treat MDD, It sectors as
part of the ‘Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)’

2. Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Lexapro is used for severe cases of depression,
Anxiety, and OCD! It is also usually taken in high
dosages with precaution.

3. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Much like Lexapro, it is also used to
treat Panic Disorders. It helps with
boosting serotonin levels in the body.
 Most common side effects:
Restlessness, Loss of Appetite Feeling agitated
Muscle Aches or Weight Gain and shaky

11 22 33

66 55 44
Dizziness and Feeling axhausted, Excessive
Drowsiness sleepy sweating at night
Structure of Citalopram:
Celexa: ● The chemical formula of this medicine is:
C20H21FN2O
● As a compound, it belongs to the family of
Isocoumarans. Which consist of a Benzene
ring fused to a 1,3-Dihydrofuran ring
● For Citalopram, It consists of a Carbon
atom to which 4 groups are attached; an
oxygen-linked group, an amine-
containing alkyl chain, and 2 substituted
benzene rings.
● Molecular weight: 324.4 g/mol
● This medication triggers the presynaptic cells
to enhance the actions of serotonin in the
CNS.
 Physical and Chemical Properties:

M.P & B.P Physical State Color Solubility

● Melting-Point: ● SOLID ● White to off ● Sparingly Soluble
182-188 C° (powder) white color
(compressed) ● Soluble in water
● Boiling point: ( as tablets )
347-358 C° ● Can be derived ● Soluble in Ethanol
from Isopropanol
Crystals
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Description
This medicine is a part of the SSRI
antidepressants, however, it doesn’t
recognize anything OTHER THAN
Serotonin. It completely ignores Any other
receptors, such as Dopamine, for example.

Its Molecular formula is:

C20H21FN2O
It is a structural isomer to Celexa, but the
difference between them is that Lexapro is
found in a liquid form, whereas Celexa is not.
Also, The dosage of lexapro is equivilant to
half of celxa, meaning it is “stronger” and more
effective for anxiety disorders.
 Physical and Chemical Properties:

M.P & B.P Physical State Color Solubility

● Melting-Point: ● SOLID ● White to pasty ● Soluble
147-153 C° off white color
● Soluble in water
● Boiling point: ( as tablets and
around 450 C° liquid ) ● Soluble in Ethanol
 Lexapro and addiction

Since escitalopram is not considered as a controlled

substance, many people have the misconception that
taking it will not cause addiction. However, because
there are those who abuse the drug, this can result in
drug dependency and even addiction.
How does addiction to the drug happen? In many
cases, users continue to increase their dosage for a
faster effect. The problem, however, is that as with any
drug, increasing your dosage can also increase your
tolerance level. When your drug tolerance becomes
higher, then you will need to take more and more of
the drug. The higher your drug tolerance, the easier it
is for you to become addicted and develop
dependency.
Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Molecular Linkage
Formula Like most
antidepressants, it has
C17H18F3NO an amide linkage
it is also an which is used to
SSRI trigger response by
antidepressant the brain for
serotonin

Molecular Success rate

weight 66% of Prozac
309.0 g/mol users reported a
positive
experience
Thank You!
Do you have any questions?
Remember, it is nor shameful or
embarrassing to resort to such
medications, sometimes it is neccesarry
and can always improve a persons mental
stability and alter their views on their
struggles! Always check up on those
surrounding you, and TAKE CARE! <3

CREDITS: This presentation template was

created by Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon
andDone by: Tuwaij
infographics & images Sarrar
by Freepik:)