What Is Phenethylamine (PEA)? Other Names: 1-Amino-2-Phenylethane, Benzeneethanamine, Phenethylamine HCl

What is Phenethylamine (PEA)?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Phenethylamine (PEA) is an endogenous amine that shares structural and pharmacological similarities with amphetamine. It is naturally occurring in the human body and plays a role in various physiological processes. Other names include: 1-Amino-2-phenylethane, 2-Phenethylamine, 2-Phenylethylamine, Benzeneethanamine, Beta-phenethylamine, Beta-phenylethylamine, PEA, Phenethylamine HCl, Phenethylamine Hydrochloride, Phenylethylamine.

Molecular Structure and Pharmacological Properties

PEA is structurally similar to amphetamine, which contributes to its comparable pharmacological effects. This similarity allows PEA to influence the central nervous system in ways that can affect mood and behavior. In a study involving boys with attention deficit disorder, PEA levels were observed to increase following the administration of d-amphetamine, although this change did not correlate with clinical responses to the drug1.

Effects on Metabolism and Muscle Growth

PEA has been studied for its effects on metabolism and muscle growth, particularly in animal models. In pigs, dietary supplementation with PEA resulted in reduced fat content in muscles and increased muscle fiber density. The study found that PEA supplementation led to a significant increase in both red and white muscle fiber diameters, promoting muscle hypertrophy. This suggests that PEA can effectively inhibit fat deposition and enhance protein accumulation in muscle tissue, especially when dietary protein levels are maintained2.

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Uses of Phenethylamine (PEA)

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD): PEA has been studied in relation to attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity. In a study involving boys with ADD, PEA levels were found to increase following d-amphetamine administration, although this change did not correlate with clinical response to the drug1. This suggests a potential role in understanding or modulating the effects of stimulant medications used in ADD treatment.

Adipose Metabolism and Muscle Hypertrophy in Livestock: PEA has been used in animal husbandry to influence body composition. In pigs, dietary supplementation with PEA resulted in reduced fat content in muscles and increased muscle fiber density. This effect was dose-dependent, with significant increases in both red and white muscle fiber diameters, leading to enhanced muscle growth and reduced fat deposition2. This suggests PEA’s utility in promoting lean muscle growth and improving meat quality in livestock.

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Adverse Effects of Phenethylamine (PEA)

Amphetamine-like Effects: Given its structural similarity to amphetamines, PEA may exhibit similar stimulant effects, which can include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened alertness. These effects can potentially lead to anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia in some individuals.

Interaction with Medications: The study indicates that PEA levels increase with d-amphetamine administration, suggesting that PEA may interact with other stimulant medications, potentially enhancing their effects or side effects1.

Lack of Direct Evidence: The abstract does not provide specific adverse effects of PEA itself, but the correlation with amphetamine excretion suggests that PEA might share some of the stimulant’s side effects, although this is not explicitly confirmed in the study1.

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How has Phenethylamine (PEA) Improved Patient Outcomes?

Pain Management

Fibromyalgia: PEA, when combined with acetyl-L-carnitine, has been shown to significantly improve pain and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients when added to standard treatments like pregabalin and duloxetine. This combination led to better outcomes in pain indices and overall disease impact scores1 3 5.

Chronic Pain in Elderly: Ultra-micronized PEA (um-PEA) has been explored for chronic pain management in geriatric patients, showing promise in reducing pain intensity and improving daily activities, although further individualized studies are needed10.

Mental Health

Major Depressive Disorder: PEA as an adjunct to citalopram significantly improved depressive symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder, demonstrating rapid-onset antidepressant effects4.

Neurological and Cognitive Benefits

Long COVID: PEA combined with luteolin improved olfactory dysfunction and cognitive symptoms like mental clouding in patients with long COVID, suggesting benefits in neuroinflammatory conditions6.

Multiple Sclerosis: In patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, PEA reduced pain and improved quality of life when used alongside interferon therapy, also decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines7.

Cardiovascular Health

Ocular Hypertension: PEA improved endothelial function and reduced intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension, indicating cardiovascular benefits8.

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Phenethylamine (PEA) Mechanisms of Action

Neurotransmitter Modulation: PEA is known to increase the release of monoamines, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This action is similar to that of amphetamines, which can enhance mood and alertness by increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters2.

Structural Similarity to Amphetamines: Due to its structural similarity to amphetamines, PEA can mimic some of their effects, although it is generally less potent. This similarity allows PEA to interact with the same neurotransmitter systems, potentially leading to increased arousal and mood elevation2.

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Common Complaints Associated with Phenethylamine (PEA) Use

PEA and Amphetamine Interaction: The study observed that PEA levels significantly increased following d-amphetamine administration, although this change did not correlate with clinical responses to the drug1.

Lack of Direct Complaints: The study did not report specific complaints or side effects directly associated with PEA itself, focusing instead on its excretion levels in relation to amphetamine use1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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