Overview

Phenethylamine (PEA) is a brain chemical that is found in many foods. It is also available in dietary supplements, which usually contain high doses of phenethylamine. The effects of phenethylamine at high doses are not well understood, but it seems to act like a stimulant. Common side effects may include headache, dizziness, nervousness, irritability, fast heartbeat, and trouble sleeping. Serious side effects may include heart effects, behavior changes, and mood changes. Before taking phenethylamine, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is phenethylamine (PEA) used for?

Phenethylamine (PEA) supplements are commonly used to increase energy levels and improve physical performance and thinking skills. However, the benefits of phenethylamine for any use are not well defined.

Note: Phenethylamine is a food flavoring that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Learn more about GRAS status here. The FDA has not reviewed phenethylamine supplements for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does phenethylamine work (mechanism of action)?

Phenethylamine is a chemical that is naturally found in your brain and in a wide range of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and spices. It is also sometimes used as a food flavoring. The amounts that are naturally found in foods or added to foods are very small and are not thought to cause any health effects.

Dietary supplements, on the other hand, usually contain much higher doses of phenethylamine that can have effects on the brain and heart. At these higher doses, phenethylamine can act like a stimulant and may also copy the effects of some important brain chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin. Theoretically, this means that it may be able to affect energy levels, thinking skills, and mood. But the effects of phenethylamine are not well understood, and it may also cause serious side effects. See the Side Effects section for more information.

Products that contain phenethylamine may list other names on their labels, such as phenylethylamine, beta-phenethylamine, 2-phenethylamine, and PEA. Each of these names refers to the same ingredient.

How should I store phenethylamine?

You should store phenethylamine according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of phenethylamine?

The most common side effects of phenethylamine supplements are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fast heartbeat
• Nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
• Trouble sleeping (especially if taken later in the day or close to bedtime)

There may be other side effects of phenethylamine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of phenethylamine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of phenethylamine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Phenethylamine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking phenethylamine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Heart Effects. Phenethylamine supplements can have stimulant-like effects. This may increase your risk of certain heart effects, such as raising your heart rate, blood pressure, or causing an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). These effects are more likely with higher doses of phenethylamine or when other products with stimulant-like effects are used together with phenethylamine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Also call your health care provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or if you feel your heartbeat more than usual.

Behavior, Thought, or Mood Changes. Phenethylamine supplements can have stimulant-like effects, especially with higher doses. This may cause or worsen psychotic-like behaviors, such as hallucinations or mania. People who already have a mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder, may be at higher risk of these side effects. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or if you have been told by others you have these symptoms.

• Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
• Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
• Disorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing
• Sudden decline in self-care, such as personal hygiene or academic/work performance
• Aggressive behavior
• Very increased energy
• Significant trouble sleeping
• Racing, fast-paced thoughts
• Reckless behavior
• Unusually grand ideas
• Excessive happiness or crankiness
• Talking more or faster than usual

Precautions

Who should not use phenethylamine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take phenethylamine.

• Beta-phenethylamine
• Beta-phenylethylamine
• Phenethylamine (PEA)
• Phenylethylamine
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific phenethylamine products they stock.

What should I know about phenethylamine before using it?

Phenethylamine is available as a food flavoring and dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep phenethylamine out of the reach of children.

Phenethylamine supplements are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use by athletes while in competition. The phenethylamine that is naturally found in foods is not expected to cause any concerns during competition. Learn more about the WADA Prohibited List here.

If you are using phenethylamine powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully and measure the amount stated on the label.

The FDA has not tested phenethylamine products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using phenethylamine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if phenethylamine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Anxiety
• Heart rhythm problems
• Heart disease
• Mental health problems, including psychosis, bipolar disorder, mania, or depression
• Tremors

Other Medicines and Supplements.Phenethylamine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking phenethylamine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how phenethylamine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if phenethylamine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does phenethylamine interact with foods or drinks?

Phenethylamine can have stimulant-like effects. Taking phenethylamine with caffeine, which is also a stimulant, may increase the risk of side effects. Caffeine is found in many common foods and drinks (such as coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and some protein bars).

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect phenethylamine, but the risk of dizziness or other side effects may be increased.

Does phenethylamine interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking phenethylamine.

• A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
• A stimulant, such as amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, or methylphenidate, which is a medicine commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Products that contain caffeine, which is often found in medicines or supplements for reducing water weight (diuretics), staying awake, headaches, and hangover relief

The interactions between phenethylamine and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with phenethylamine is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking phenethylamine with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much phenethylamine?

If you or someone else has used too much phenethylamine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take phenethylamine safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.