If we can make Melatonin pills to help us sleep, why can’t we make Seratonin pills to make us happy?

Question

I take Melatonin most nights to sleep better. Sure would love to have a serotonin pill as well.

In: Biology

Answer 1

Long story short, the human brain isn’t that simple. It can’t be reduced to “serotonin = happiness.” Serotonin has several functions both inside and out of the brain (fun fact, the majority of your serotonin is in your gut), so simply adding serotonin wouldn’t achieve the desired effect.

Also, too much serotonin causes a condition called “serotonin syndrome,” which can be fatal if not properly treated.