Phenylethylamine HCl (PEA)
Beta-phenylethylamine (PEA) is an endogenous trace amine sold as PEA HCl for a brief, intense mood-and-focus lift in pre-workouts. Its effects are very short-lived because monoamine oxidase rapidly degrades it, so it is often combined with MAO-B inhibitors like hordenine.
01 Overview
Phenylethylamine is a naturally occurring neuromodulator and the parent structure of many stimulants. Taken orally it produces a rapid, short rush of energy and euphoria, but first-pass MAO metabolism means the effect typically lasts only minutes.
Some human studies of PEA have examined mood and depression, but supplement dosing is largely anecdotal. Users frequently stack it with MAO-B inhibitors to prolong its action, which raises blood-pressure interaction concerns.
02 Mechanism
Trace amine that triggers release of dopamine and noradrenaline and activates trace-amine-associated receptors; rapidly broken down by monoamine oxidase B.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common | 250–500 mg | Oral | Doses of 250-500 mg common; effect very short without an MAOI. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brief mood and energy liftRapid, short-lived euphoria and focus. | Moderate but short | Anecdotal | |
| Increased motivationReported drive during training. | Mild | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headache and flushingVascular headache and flushing after the rush. | Mild | Common | Anecdotal | |
| Hypertension with MAOIsCombined with MAO inhibitors, PEA can cause dangerous blood-pressure spikes. | Severe | Rare | Preclinical |