What Is Phenylethylamine?
Phenethylamine (PEA) and alternatively β-phenylethylamine (β-PEA) is a natural-occurring monoamine alkaloid which, in the human organism, functions as a neuromodulator (a substance that changes the nerve activity via delivery of chemical agents to target sites of the nervous system). PEA is a monogamic alkaloid with high basal index. It is a member of a chemically-related class of substances that have effects as stimulants and nootropics.
Insufficient quantities, whose concentration in the body is depended on many factors, it has, to a certain degree a mode of action as a neurotransmitter. It is found in various non-human organisms as well as in a certain type of food (chocolate, cacao, etc.). It shows similarity to amphetamines (with which they are different chemically) by providing a mass-release of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and to a smaller extent, acetylcholine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that provides movement, coordination, focus, voluntary action, memory, goal-oriented activity, while norepinephrine acts primarily on mood and to a definite effect, on concentration.
From the aspect of pharmacology, Phenethylamine synthesizes the aforementioned neurotransmitters only after ingestion of sufficient quantities that cannot be obtained through conventional diet. The reasons for this are its low bioavailability after first-pass metabolism as well as extremely short half-life that, depending on the factor such as exercise, concomitant intake of medication, etc. is not longer than several minutes. Phenethylamine is much more readily dissolved in water (hydrophilic) than in lipids (less lipophilic), which has an implication for its pharmacodynamics. Also, Phenethylamine quite difficultly passes the blood-brain barrier. However, once it performs its natural role in the brain, the effects are felt for quite a long time.
It has to be stressed that dosing that provides the most beneficial effects of Phenethylamine depends on many factors such as the user’s age, weight, and several other conditions, in some rare case genetic. The most commonly sold preparation is chemically Phenethylamine HCL, mostly in the form of capsules.
Benefits
The greatest health benefits are derived through the acute supplementation with Phenethylamine which, as a core effect, produces a low-intensity ‘high’, improvement of the libido, feeling of wellness and stricter nootropic effects such as learning and memory formation, focus, motivation, attention, and greater creativity.
It has been noted that in patients with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), natural levels of metabolized Phenethylamine in the urine may be indicated as a diagnostic test of the disease for differential diagnosis (excluding other disorders with similar symptoms). It is not certain that supplementation of ADHD patients with Phenethylamine could lead to relief of the key components of the disorder. This compound, due to its strong dopaminergic properties, is under examination for possible use in treating Parkinson’s disease, a defect of dopamine effect in some parts of the brain followed by deterioration in control of the voluntary movements. The present results of the studies are mixed, with some of them showing benefits, while others failing to produce a significant correlation between Phenethylamine uptake and improvement of Parkinson’s symptoms.
A more all-pervasive focus on its effect in clinical depression, some of them based on placebo-drug and others on anti-depressant vs. Phenethylamine, shows marked improvement better than the one provided by tricyclic antidepressants, but it is still not approved and marketed by the drug regulating bodies and medical establishment for this indication. Its mood-brightening effect is aided by increased utilization of glucose in the brain. The main Phenylethylamine benefits are on overall cognitive health. Another effect of a massive upsurge of the aforementioned neurotransmitters is slight appetite suppression, which may be helpful for weight loss program, together with proper diet and exercise.
Some people use the slang-term “love drug”, but apart on some positive influence on the libido, Phenethylamine is not a genuine aphrodisiac.
Nootropic Effect
Among all chemical classes of nootropics, Phenethylamine’s most strongly beneficial effect is subtle, but a firm improvement of memory, learning capability, memory recall as well as attention span and focusing in correlation with marked improvement of mood and a sense of well-being. In the context of a wide range of intellectual, academic and professional activities, even in absence of mood disorder of any kind, this mood-bosting quality blends well with the nootropic effect by producing stronger enthusiasm for the activity through hardening of mental stamina.
Dopaminergic and cholinergic properties of Phenethylamine are chief mediators of its nootropic effects, especially those who affect motivation, focus, clarity of reasoning and working memory. By dopaminergic and serotonergic agonist action, Phenethylamine alleviates procrastination which may come as a consequence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Strictly dopamine-boosting properties also provide an upsurge in overall energy at a level necessary for a sustained task (or set of tasks) that demand complex, abstract thinking.
As a nootropic, Phenethylamine stacks well with all racetams (which in turn require some choline supplementation). Aniracetam is recommended to users who experience rare anxiogenic effects due to increased norepinephrine or simply want greater focus and attention augmented with calmness and elimination of irrelevant stimulation in the cognitive process.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage, which is a strongly individual exercise in trial-and-error within safe quantities, is usually between 300mg and 1,200mg, spread numerous times a day. While nootropic qualities became fully apparent in several days, initial mood-brightening effects are seen briefly after the complete pharmacokinetic cycle.
The user should take care not to exceed the upper limit of the dosage in pursuit of stronger positive mood owing to emerging side effects. The best effects are seen with continual intake of user-appropriate dosage on a daily basis. Due to the possibility of strong cardiovascular tension, Phenethylamine should never be used by users of MAO-inhibitors. Once there’s no indication for further therapy with MAO-inhibitors, a minimum of two weeks should pass prior to the introduction of any quantity of Phenethylamine to avoid side effects.
Since there’s a lack of definitive studies, it should not be used during pregnancy or lactation. Consuming extra fluids is also recommended.
Side Effects
There are a lot of milder side-effects reported by users, among which most prominent are a tension headache, dizziness, insomnia (rarely), heartburn, nausea, and constipation. If any of these side effects become prominent, the user should try a smaller dose or else consult a doctor. From the psychiatric aspect, euphoria may appear and this form of mild ‘high’ may be desirable by some users, but disliked by others. Overall, the benefits of Phenylethylamine far outweigh any potential negative side effects.
The key solution is again either reduction of the dosage or stacking the nootropic pack with some Aniracetam. People who have clinical psychiatric mood disturbances, in particular, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and, especially, Bipolar disorder with Hypomania of the first or second degree, should avoid using Phenethylamine because of the possibility of rapid onset of full-scaled hypomania, sometimes with psychotic symptoms. Combined use with strong dopaminergic may produce effects ranging from unpleasant to hazardous and is not recommended.
Extreme acute intake of dose surpassing 10-20 times the recommended upper intake may cause psychosis accompanied by hallucinations. An urgent appointment with a physician is needed in such cases. In itself, however, Phenethylamine is a harmless substance which is very unlikely to create a serious health disturbance during prolonged use in recommended dosages.
One of the most strong advantages of Phenethylamine that it doesn’t call psychological dependence (having an unhealthy preoccupation with the drug, the future intake as well as its possession) or physical (craving, tremors, palpitation, somatic depression, insomnia or hypersomnia, etc.) which may be seen with some amphetamines and other dedicated dopaminergic.
Is Phenethylamine Legal?
FDA (Food and Drug Administration), U.S. basic agency for assigning a legal status to food and drugs, doesn’t disprove of manufacturing and selling of Phenethylamine, but demands appropriate marketing of it as “dietary supplement”, with other restrictions in the rhetoric.
Given this background, anyone can order, purchase, possess and use it for personal benefit. It should be noted that, as tests for providing positives for Phenethylamine exist, you should check what kind of drug-screening policy, if any, is used by your employer or organization. This includes any participation in competitive sports where providing a urine or blood sample may be expected. Checking with the laws and regulations of other countries, if you want to order Phenethylamine from abroad or carry quantities for personal use is always recommended.
If you are unsure, do not go abroad with any quantity of this substance whatsoever. Also, search for reliable companies which produce Phenethylamine, because in some countries its illicit production as well as mixing with other chemicals, under the disguise of a legitimate business is common.
Final Thoughts
Phenethylamine’s nootropic, mental-performance boosting qualities, mediated by a complex action on several neurotransmitters and their receptor sites are very satisfactory and devoid of any psychological or psychomotor effects.
Stimulatory effect coupled with an increase in mood has relevance on such mental functions as memory, memory recall, learning, increased attention coupled with stronger focus, a more powerful drive for the usage of the mind, including the intellect is the main beneficial hallmarks of this nootropic.
The combination of increased stimulation and mental-performance improvement with mood-boosting makes Phenethylamine a more ‘wholesome’ substance that, by having a dualistic action, promotes the function of the higher mind such as enthusiasm, greater curiosity, empathy and energy to keep the user mentally stronger for any sustained effort.
From the workplace to college, from the library to lab research, from capital task to just being more mentally agile in everyday’s social and other tasks, Phenethylamine is a superb, safe and effective nootropic solution.
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