What would happen if a normal person took antidepressants?

Define “normal”.

Anytime you do something to change the chemical “balance” or the existing chemical state of one’s body, a multitude of things can happen. I don’t really think it matters if the person is “normal” or not (although who’s to say who or what constitutes normal in the first place?). Many people who are depressed have averse reactions when taking antidepressants. Many people react to them positively. I think the same would go for any quote-unquote “normal” person depending on the chemical makeup of their bodies. It doesn’t even have to apply to antidepressants.

I mean, I “get” the question, but there really is no real “answer”...

Most people who take antidepressants are pretty normal, thanks.

It’s pretty normal to be depressed. Usually this can be cleared up with positive life changes, such as getting more exercise, eating better, or getting out of a bad relationship just to name a few. Most people who are on antidepressants shouldn’t be (this is not to say they are not viable as treatment! Some people really do have chemical imbalance that cannot be treated without these chemicals, but this should also always be coupled with talking to a therapist or counselor to get to the root of the problem.)

People who don’t need them would experience normal side effects to these drugs, as well, I suspect, as some mood changes.

note; I am not a medical professional, but I am someone who has dealt with depression most of her life.

@FluffyChicken If you define “normal” as what the majority is, then 75% of people are not depressed, and only 25% are, then no, it’s not “normal” to be depressed. What you describe are the blues which everyone has from time to time. 100%. Down and bummed by your life and easy to fix by life changes is not depression.

I wonder too what would happen if “normal” people took Alzheimer’s meds…

They would not be normal, anymore.

@john65pennington Got that right (regarding the Alz meds)...normal people don’t hallucinate.

Nicely put @MacBean

well anyone who isn’t depressed…....I figured they’d be like super happy wouldn’t they?...Or would nothing happen and they stay the same?

I took anti depressants when I didn’t need them as a kind of dare. I felt very detached from everything as though there were a glass wall and cotton padding between me and the world. I didn’t like the feeling and have never taken them since.

@xjustxxclaudiax A LOT of “normal” people take antidepressants for Other Reasons

I personally have been on them for chronic pain, insomnia & migraines. I was still not depressed, nor was I any happier. I had less pain, more sleep and less headaches.

@SpatzieLover & @flutherother- GA thanks :)

If serotonin increases too much, it can be life-threatening and occasionally lethal.

http://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/brainstorm/br5812.htm