Uses & Effectiveness
We currently have no information for PHENETHYLAMINE (PEA) overview.
Overview
Phenethylamine (PEA) is a chemical with stimulant effects. It’s found naturally in plants, bacteria, fungi, and animals. It can also be made in a lab.
Phenethylamine stimulates the body to make certain chemicals that play a role in brain chemistry. It is similar to the drug amphetamine and may cause similar side effects.
People use phenethylamine for athletic performance, depression, obesity, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don’t confuse phenethylamine with Acacia rigidula. This is a shrub that contains phenethylamine. Also don’t confuse it with another chemical called palmitoylethanolamide, which might also be called PEA. These are not the same.
Phenethylamine (PEA) is a naturally occurring compound in chocolate that stimulates the same areas of the brain as falling in love, explaining why we often crave chocolate when we’re feeling low.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Phenethylamine is possibly unsafe. Phenethylamine is similar to the drug amphetamine, and may cause similar side effects, such as rapid heart rate, anxiety, or agitation.
Interactions
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Medications for depression (MAOIs) interacts with PHENETHYLAMINE (PEA)
Phenethylamine increases a chemical in the brain called serotonin. Some medications used for depression also increase serotonin. Taking phenethylamine along with these medications used for depression might increase serotonin too much. This can cause serious side effects including severe headache, heart problems, shivering, confusion, and anxiety.
Some common MAOIs include phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
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Serotonergic drugs interacts with PHENETHYLAMINE (PEA)
Phenethylamine might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking phenethylamine along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Special Precautionsand Warnings
When taken by mouth: Phenethylamine is possibly unsafe. Phenethylamine is similar to the drug amphetamine, and may cause similar side effects, such as rapid heart rate, anxiety, or agitation.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if phenethylamine is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Bipolar disorder: Phenethylamine might cause people with bipolar disorder to convert from depression to mania.
Schizophrenia: Phenethylamine might worsen symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations or delusions.
Surgery: Phenethylamine might affect the central nervous system. This could interfere with surgery. Stop taking phenethylamine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Dosing
There isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of phenethylamine might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
