Information on the Chemical Phenylethylamine

Phenylethylamine is a drug that has been researched, but there are still are not many definite conclusions about the drug. Whereas some doctors feel comfortable prescribing pills containing this chemical for certain people in certain situations, not all doctors feel the same. In fact, thanks to the highly addictive nature of this chemical, many doctors will avoid prescribing this pill and instead seek natural sources to help their patients.

Effects

Phenylethylamine, also known as PEA, is classified as a nueromodulator. It works in the sections of the brain that include neurotransmitters, which regulate emotions in the body. A person's mood can sometimes be traced back to the amount of phenylethylamine in the body. Some studies have concluded that some people who suffer from depression or those who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD lack in their natural levels of PEA. Therefore, people take PEA supplements to try to improve their mood as well as their focus.

Expert Insight

When taken in large amounts, phenylethylamine should be considered to be a dangerous drug. Although PEA is found in cocoa, it is also found in LSD and morphine. It is rare that doctors would prescribe more than two phenylethylamine pills a day. When taken in large amounts, this drug could cause psychoactive effects and will put extra stress on the heart and body.

Benefits

Phenylethylamine is found to increase brain activity. In addition to enhancing mood and helping a person focus, PEA could potentially also give a boost of energy and act as a stress reliever. Although this drug can relieve depression in some patients, it should not be considered to be a solution to depression in and of itself. Likewise, it is not a long-term solution.

Features

Any pill that is promoted as a PEA pill contains phenylethylamine as the main ingredient. Students and athletes sometimes will take these pills in an effort to gain extra energy. Students sometimes find it helps them stay awake for longer periods of time, while athletes find it may give them more energy during workout sessions. These pills do not immediately provide this lift. It often takes 1 or 2 days for the effects to occur.

Warning

The ability of PEA to give a boost of energy has not been proved in humans. All of the conclusive tests that point to this have been done on animals. Phenylethylamine cannot be combined with some certain other medications. For example, if it is taken with MAOI stimulants, the results could be fatal. Also, a person who has heart problems could only compound the problem by taking phenylethylamine. Taking the drug for long periods of time could prove to be addictive.

Resources

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