This page describes pharmacological agents that may have legal restrictions, side effects, and drug interactions in your jurisdiction. Information is for educational research only — consult a clinician before considering any compound.

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Phenylethylamine (PEA)

Endogenous trace amine, structural cousin of amphetamine, found in chocolate and produced from L-phenylalanine in the brain.

Aliases (5)

β-phenylethylamine · β-PEA · 2-phenylethanamine · PEA-HCl · PEA

TYPICAL DOSE

250-500 mg oral on empty stomach

PRN

ROUTE

—

CYCLE

—

STORAGE

—

Overview

What is Phenylethylamine (PEA)?

Phenylethylamine (PEA) is an endogenous trace amine and neuromodulator structurally similar to amphetamine, found naturally in the brain and in foods like chocolate. It is sold as a short-acting cognitive/mood supplement.

Key Benefits

Produces brief (15-60 minute) euphoric, focus-enhancing, and energy effects orally. Used as a nootropic stimulant alternative; effect duration is limited by rapid MAO-B degradation. Often stacked with selegiline (MAO-B inhibitor) to extend duration.

Mechanism of Action

Acts as an agonist at trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) and triggers release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin from presynaptic terminals (similar to amphetamine but with much shorter duration due to MAO-B metabolism).

Pharmacokinetics

PeakHalf-life

Approximate curve — visual aid only, not data-precise PK

Peptide Interactions

hordenine:

Synergistic

Competitive MAO-B substrate that prolongs PEA action without the hypertensive crisis risk of full MAOI. Most popular forum pairing.

selegiline:

Synergistic

True MAO-B inhibitor; biggest extension but biggest risk.

caffeine, l-tyrosine:

Synergistic

Reasonable focus stack — independent mechanisms compound the effect.

Non-selective MAOIs (phenelzine, tranylcypromine):

Avoid

Hypertensive crisis risk.

Sympathomimetics (high-dose pseudoephedrine, amphetamines):

Avoid

Additive cardiovascular load.

Tyramine-rich diet + selegiline:

Avoid

Established interaction — same mechanism as classic MAOI cheese effect.

What to Expect

Week 1
Tolerability and dose-response.
Week 2-4
Early effect window.
Week 4-8
Peak benefit assessment.
Week 8+
Cycle decision point.

Side Effects & Safety

Common (>10%): Brief headache or jaw clenching post-dose, mild anxiety in sensitive users
Less common (1-10%): Insomnia if dosed late, transient blood pressure increase
Rare-serious (<1%): Hypertensive crisis if combined with non-selective MAOIs or in MAO-B inhibitor stack with tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, cured meats)
Specific watch periods: First exposure with hordenine or selegiline — monitor BP for 30-60 min post-dose