Phenylethylamine Supplement Effects on Dopamine and Norepineprhine

Using a phenylethylamine (PEA) supplement may help to boost dopamine synthesis, improve focus and concentration, alleviate depression symptoms, decrease anxiety and enhance mental performance.

People take phenylethylamine orally to help them improve athletic performance, lose unwanted weight, sharpen attention, stay motivated and brighten their overall outlooks on life.

Preliminary evidence suggests that phenylethylamine supplements are safe for oral use, with medical supervision, in doses as high as 60 mg daily for as long as fifty consecutive weeks.

However, this supplement has a short half-life in the body. Also, some find the effects of PEA to be too stimulatory and it should not be taken by individuals with specific medical conditions.

Phenylethylamine

Dopamine Precursor

Mood

Energy

Fat Loss

How It Works:

• Stimulates the release of dopamine & norepinephrine
• Promotes positive mood & well-being
• Curbs appetite & supports weight loss

Dosage:

Between 100 - 500 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Unsafe

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What are Phenylethylamine Supplements?

Phenylethylamine supplements are dietary supplements that contain a natural biogenic amine neurotransmitter (neuroamine) called phenylethylamine (2-Phenylethylamine).

Phenylethylamine is commonly abbreviated PEA. Phenylethylamine is a derivative of the amino acid, phenylalanine. PEA is a monoamine alkaloid.

Phenylethylamine occurs naturally in mammals and is used as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the central and peripheral nervous systems that relay nerve cell messages between one another.

PEA is a trace amine that promotes the synthesis and secretion of two catecholamine neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).

How do Phenylethylamine Supplements Work?

Phenylethylamine is the compound responsible for making natural chocolate so appealing and pleasurable to many people. Many people call PEA the “love drug”.

Phenylethylamine HCL (hydrochloride) is currently being explored for its apparent nootropic properties and effects. PEA seems to demonstrate strong effects for mood modulation and cognitive enhancement.

Dopamine is commonly referred to as a “feel-good” brain chemical. It is used by the brain to control the sense of pleasure, love, lust, desire, motivation, reward and sense of well-being. It is also imperative for motor movement.

Phenylethylamine supplements seem to work by upregulating release of dopamine and norepinephrine.

While dopamine is largely associated with orgasm, drug addiction, gambling and other “pleasurable” experiences, norepinephrine is mainly associated with increased alertness, muscle tension, rapid heart rate and other physiological markers of “fight or flight” responses.

Many users of PEA supplements report naturally “high” feelings and increased well-being. Heart rate and blood pressure may be increased – and some users report feelings similar to those sparked by falling in love.

Some compare the effects of phenylethylamine supplements to drugs like Adderall and stimulant amphetamines.

Preliminary research also suggests that phenylethylamine supplements can affect acetylcholine synthesis and secretion.

Acetylcholine is a major neurotransmitter associated with movement, verbal and logical reasoning and long term brain health. Acetylcholine is believed to play key roles in recall speed, capacity to learn, formation of memories and ability to focus.

Phenylethylamine Dosing Recommendations

Phenylethylamine can cross the BBB (blood brain barrier), but it lacks effective transportation. Because of this, some people find it necessary to take higher amounts of PEA.

This may help more to reach neurotransmitter production areas inside the brain, but could increase the risk of side effects.

Phenylethylamine dosing recommendations range between 250 mg and 1000 mg daily. If you are just beginning to use a PEA supplement, then it is advisable to begin at the lowest effective dosage level.

Start low and increase dosage slowly, if and as needed, in small amounts. Monitor the effects of a given dose for at least a couple weeks before stepping up the dosage amount.

Phenylethylamine supplements are available in pills and powders and are able to be stacked with other nootropics to accentuate their effects. PEA is also effective when taken on its own.

Phenylethylamine Supplement Side Effects

Phenylethylamine occurs naturally in humans and other mammals. When taken at appropriate dosages, it is generally well tolerated with low risk of adverse effects.

However, sometimes with excessive or improper usage, the following side effects develop:

• Constipation;
• Headaches;
• Heartburn;
• Dizziness;
• Insomnia;
• Nausea

If you experience these or other adverse effects after taking a phenylethylamine supplement, then lower your daily dosage or discontinue use. In most cases, adverse effects will naturally subside within a day or two.

Some individuals are also naturally more sensitive to this supplement and may experience negative effects even at low doses.

Some claim that phenylethylamine supplements should be taken every other day to avoid increased tolerance. If used excessively, neurotransmitter receptors may become desensitized to its effects.

Phenylethylamine Supplement Interactions

There are some concerns that taking a phenylethylamine pill can cause effects similar to those of amphetamine drugs. In one case, a multi-ingredient supplement that contained PEA was associated with agitation, tachycardia and anxiety.

There is not enough information available currently to determine the safety of phenylethylamine HCL supplementation for pregnant or nursing women. Usage is not recommended.

Do not use PEA with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or other medications or herbal supplements for treating depression. Further, do not use phenylethylamine supplements with:

• Serotonergic herbs and/or supplements;
• Dextromethorphan (Robitussin, DM);
• Desipramine (Norpramin);
• Meperidine (Demerol);
• Pentazocine (Talwin);
• Tramadol (Ultram);

Phenylethylamine supplements may worsen symptoms associated with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Discontinue usage at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

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