Phenylethylamine HCL, also known as PEA, Beta-Phenylethylamine or 2-Phenylethylamine, is a supplement used for different purposes, among them cognitive enhancement, mood improvement, weight loss, and as a concentration aid.
It naturally occurs within the nervous systems of humans and other mammals, where it is thought to act as a type of neuromodulator. It is considered to be a trace amine chemical and natural monamine alkaloid.
Within the human brain it causes the release of norepinephrine and dopamine, two very powerful brain chemicals involved in attention and alertness. Phenylethylamine HCL is the most commonly sold form of Phenylethylamine supplements available today.
Phenylethylamine HCL is contained in chocolate and has been affectionately referred to as the ‘love drug,’ since it is released by our brains when we have feelings of romantic love.
It is also a chemical related to amphetamines and is capable of raising the blood pressure and blood glucose levels. This is also what helps us to feel more alert and have a greater sense of well-being and contentment.
It is common to include Phenylethylamine HCL in nootropic stacks alongside Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors like Hordenine.



- Stimulates the release of dopamine & norepinephrine
- Promotes positive mood & well-being
- Curbs appetite & supports weight loss
Phenylethylamine HCL Effects:
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There are a number of different mechanisms of action for PEA once it penetrates the blood-brain barrier and enters the central nervous system.
One of the first things it does is to aid in the release of b-endorphin which is an opioid peptide that is the main force behind a number of pleasurable effects.
It also mimics the feelings that when have when falling in love or infatuation by stimulating the release of greater amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine.
It not only stimulates the release of dopamine, but also blocks the breakdown of dopamine, further increasing its levels.
PEA is also believed to help stimulate the release of Acetylcholine, another powerful brain chemical and neurotransmitter. This chemical plays a vital role in a number of different brain functions including memory, learning, recall, attention span, and even sensory perception.
Phenylethylamine HCL Benefits:
One of the most beneficial effects of this supplement is that it can significantly improve your mood and generate feelings of well-being. This can be critical in helping those who feel high levels of stress, anxiety, and possibly suffer from depression.
These effects are most likely due to the release of the b-endorphin and dopamine, the neurotransmitter which is thought to affect mood and movement. In fact, this supplement is often used as a component in treating anxiety and depression.
It also increases blood pressure and blood glucose levels, resulting in higher energy levels. This can help to reduce sensations of fatigue that often accompany conditions such as depression or anhedonia.
There are also a number of Nootropic effects associated with Phenylethylamine. This is most likely due to the stimulatory effect as well as the increased release of Acetylcholine.
Higher levels of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine improve memory and normally result in a faster speed of memory retrieval. You may feel like you have deeper access to stored memories and do not have to search for relevant connections as they immediately come to the front of your mind.
Many users also report an increase in learning capacity and an improved or lengthened attention span. This includes a better ability to focus and concentrate. In some people, these benefits are also accompanied by an enhanced sensory perception, particularly in terms of sight and sound.
Due to the release of these powerful chemicals, combined with the increase in blood pressure and blood glucose levels, there is strong evidence suggesting that PEA may help to speed up the metabolism.
This also means that it can lead to an increased rate of fat burning. There are many diet and weight loss products currently on the market that include PEA as one of their main, active ingredients.
There are also a number of chemical compounds that are collectively known as Phenylethylamines. They are all loosely based upon the chemical structure of PEA, with either elements added or substituted.
These are typically used as psychoactive drugs and include MDMA (ecstasy). They also have a number of medical uses in decongestants, anti-depressants, and treatments for asthma.
Phenylethylamine HCL Dosage:
The generally accepted dosage range for PEA seems to be between 250 and 500 mg per day. Taking more than 1,000 mg per day is strongly discouraged.
The dose may be split up into two different (and roughly equivalent) daily administrations. New users are also advised to start low, perhaps with as little as 100 mg and only increase once comfortable with the effects.
You should also cycle this supplement to avoid building up a tolerance for it or becoming dependent on its effects. Ideally, it should be used on an occasional basis only and should not be taken as part of a regular supplementation routine.
It is also important to use Phenylethylamine Hydrochloride with a supplement like Hordenine to ensure maximum effectiveness. When taking Phenylethylamine on its own, the enzyme Monoamine Oxidase quickly starts to break down this nootropic once it has reached the brain. This means that the effects can be short-lasting.
However, when stacked with 30 mg of Hodenine – a MAO Inhibitor – this prevents the metabolization of Phenylethylamine so that it much longer lasting. Hordenine should be consumed approximately 20-30 minutes before using PEA to ensure that it reaches a sufficient concentration in your brain first.
Phenylethylamine HCL Side Effects:
Although this supplement is considered to be generally safe, there are a number of side effects that might show up, especially with consistent use. These include heart burn, constipation, nausea, and mild headaches (take a high quality Choline supplement to help reduce these).
More serious side effects can include: insomnia, confusion, dizziness, intense headaches, sudden increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Obviously, if any of these more serious effects are present, discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately.
People who are using medically prescribed MAOI’s or have a condition known as PKU should not take this supplement under any circumstances. Those suffering from schizophrenia also should avoid this supplement since they already have high levels of dopamine.
Phenylethylamine HCL Review:
Phenylethylamine HCL is one of the best performing nootropics for lifting your mood and increasing mental energy.
It has powerful anti-anxiety effects, increases focus and memory and can cause you to feel more motivated and driven when used appropriately. This supplement is known to work even better when combined in the right nootropic stack as otherwise it is broken down very quickly by Monoamine Oxidase.
There are important safety warnings to consider before using Phenylethylamine Hydrochloride and you should make sure you are familiar with the possible risks before investigating this supplement further.
However, for short-term and infrequent usage, Phenylethylamine HCL is considered to be relatively safe and effective for cognitive enhancement purposes.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
4 Comments
Folks,
Just thought you might be interested in my experience with PEA as a cog- nitive enhancer. I find that when measured with controlled online cognitive tests, cognitive performance at any dose of PEA that results in distinct “high.” Motivation, mood, interest, invention, and creativity improve — one may get more work done — but accuracy, speed, and focus, in working memory, executive function, the Stroop, and a variety of other tests begin to decline. In one series, a 50 mg. dose produced gains, but a second 100 mg dose 40 minutes later was associated with slight decreases in 8 out of 10 tests.
Phenylethylamine and Phenylalanine are 2 completely different things.
is Phenylethylamine effective with Neurovena
Bonjour, je viens d’essaier 100mg d’hordeine+ 500MG de phenyl..je suis tdah et ça reveille la dopamine!