Natural energy and heightened mental concentration are among the most powerful Phenylethylamine effects, but this nootropic supplement is generally known for another benefit altogether.
The euphoric, confident, focused feeling most users experience has often been compared to the sensation of falling in love.
Phenylethylamine balances neural hormones and revs up metabolism, creating an energized, exciting mood that is indeed similar to many natural physical and mental expressions of new romance.
By acting as a powerful neuromodulator in the brain, the effects of Phenylethylamine also play a valuable role in cognitive and nervous system function. Here’s what we know about this potent neural nutrient.



- Stimulates the release of dopamine & norepinephrine
- Promotes positive mood & well-being
- Curbs appetite & supports weight loss
How Phenylethylamine Effects Work
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Phenylethylamine, commonly abbreviated as PEA, is derived from phenylalanine, an amino acid.
There is some debate over whether Phenylethylamine should be termed a neuromodulator, meaning it only interacts with other neurochemicals, or a full-fledged neurotransmitter, meaning it transmits its own information to unique cell receptors designed to receive those messages.
The latest findings favor the latter, indicating that Phenylethylamine is indeed a neurotransmitter, whose role is to foster a state of mental acuity or alertness.
Phenylethylamine achieves its notable “love” effects by stimulating the release of B-endorphin. This opioid peptide stokes production of dopamine and norepinephrine, which also flood your system whenever you feel pangs of love, hence the connection. Some amount of Phenylethylamine is also found in chocolate, which creates a lighter version of the same effect.
Some Phenylethylamine effects are also caused by the compound’s stimulation of Acetylcholine, one of the central neurochemicals which foster neural growth and synaptic connectivity.
A Natural Energy Booster
PEA effects include a revving up of cellular metabolism which translates into both mental and physical energy. It does this with vasoconstrictive effects which elevate blood pressure, while simultaneously bathing tissues in dopamine and norepinephrine, and raising glucose levels in the blood.
The resulting metabolism boost adds alert, vibrant energy to physical and mental activities, and can even assist in faster fat burning. For this reason, nootropics like PEA are popular supplements among body builders, who use it to add power to workouts while dropping weight more easily.
The raised metabolism coupled with the euphoria-like mood enhancement of B-endorphins gives many users a joyful, energized feeling similar to the effects of other Phenylethylamines like the psychoactive drug MDMA. These kinds of Phenylethylamine effects make the supplement a natural therapy for depression and anxiety.
Phenylethylamine Effects – Memory and Cognitive
Phenylethylamine‘s effects on acetylcholine also stimulates a range of cognitive benefits, such as heightened concentration, easier access to memories, better recall of facts, improved verbal and logical reasoning, and faster reaction times to stimulus.
For users, the effect feels like a more nimble, faster functioning mental process, with “facts on the fingertips.” Learning is easier, with distractions and boredom less likely to interfere with work or studying. For some users, all of the senses are heightened, including touch, taste, smell, vision, and hearing.
Side Effects
Positive Phenylethylamine effects may come with a few side effects for some people, though on the whole Phenylethylamine is considered quite safe and easy to tolerate. When side effects do arise, they are typically light and temporary, and include stomach upset, headaches, and heartburn.
If you already have a heart condition or are taking blood pressure medication, you should avoid Phenylethylamine, as it is very stimulating and can raise blood pressure. Some people find that Phenylethylamine interferes with sleep cycles if it is taken too late in the day, or in too large a dose.
If you have been diagnosed as having too high levels of dopamine or are taking prescription MAOIs, this supplement may be harmful and should be avoided.
Dosage for Best Effects
The “entry level” dose of Phenylethylamine is 100 – 250 mg per day. This compound can be very stimulating for some people, so it is best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it over days or weeks until optimum effects are reached.
500 mg per day is generally enough Phenylethylamine for most people to achieve great effects. More than that exposes you to possible side effects of difficulty sleeping, and rapid heart rate.
One of Phenylethylamine’s main drawbacks is the fact that it is easily degraded in the body by high MAO (monoamine oxidase) levels. The effects have a very short duration when PEA is taken by itself.
To increase the duration and intensity of effects, most people stack Phenylethylamine with the nootropic supplement Hordenine. Hordenine naturally acts as an MAO inhibitor and allows Phenylethylamine to remain active for far longer, up to several hours.
Hordenine also brings many cognitive benefits of its own, amplifying and potentiating Phenylethylamine effects. Try taking Hordedine a half hour before your Phenylethylamine dose for best results.
Phenylethylamine, taken occasionally, can be a great cognitive booster and source of natural energy and motivation. Of course, many people also enjoy it for the mood enhancing effects. Still others use it solely as a pre-workout supplement and to help lose weight by increasing the metabolism of fat.
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Article last updated on: March 25th, 2018 by Nootriment