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    Phenylethylamine (NeuroPEA)

    Also known as: PEA, β-phenylethylamine, NeuroPEA

    Endogenous trace amine acting at TAAR1 and as a substrate releaser of dopamine and noradrenaline; oral half-life of minutes due to MAO-B degradation.

    Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study

    Evidence Score
    40/100
    Mood liftAcute energyPre-workout euphoria
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Phenylethylamine (PEA) is a trace amine and rapid-onset mood/focus enhancer that triggers catecholamine release; oral effects are very short-lived due to rapid MAO-B metabolism.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Produces brief mood lift, euphoria, and stimulation by releasing catecholamines and binding TAAR1; effects rarely exceed 30 minutes orally.

    Physiological Role

    Used in pre-workouts for acute mood/focus 'lift'; effects are short and inconsistent; often stacked with MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., hordenine) to extend duration.

    Primary Pathways

    TAAR1 activationDopamine/noradrenaline releaseMAO-B substrate

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Limited clinical RCTs; mechanism is established. Used experientially in pre-workout formulas.

    Evidence Review

    Overall40/100
    Human Clinical35/100
    Meta-Analysis20/100
    Mechanistic80/100
    Real-World45/100
    Safety68/100

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    100 mg
    Optimal Range
    250–500 mg pre-workout
    Upper / Caution Level
    ~750 mg
    Timing
    15–20 min pre-exercise
    Best Format
    Powder, capsule
    Bioavailability
    Very low oral bioavailability without MAO-B inhibitor; brief plasma peak.
    Absorption Considerations
    Rapid absorption but extensive first-pass MAO-B metabolism.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Headache
    • •Anxiety
    • •Brief BP elevation
    • •Migraine trigger

    Contraindications

    • MAOI use (serious risk)
    • Migraine sufferers

    Drug Interactions

    • •MAOIs (contraindicated)
    • •SSRIs
    • •Sympathomimetics

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Hypertension
    • •Anxiety disorders
    • •Migraines

    Monitoring

    BP, HR.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Phenylethylamine (NeuroPEA) typically used or indicated?

    Phenylethylamine (NeuroPEA) is most commonly used for: Mood lift, Acute energy, Pre-workout euphoria. Used in pre-workouts for acute mood/focus 'lift'; effects are short and inconsistent; often stacked with MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., hordenine) to extend duration.

    How does Phenylethylamine (NeuroPEA) work?

    Produces brief mood lift, euphoria, and stimulation by releasing catecholamines and binding TAAR1; effects rarely exceed 30 minutes orally.

    What is the recommended dose of Phenylethylamine (NeuroPEA)?

    The optimal range is 250–500 mg pre-workout. with a minimum effective dose of 100 mg. Best taken: 15–20 min pre-exercise. Upper / caution level: ~750 mg.

    What are the side effects of Phenylethylamine (NeuroPEA)?

    Reported side effects include: Headache; Anxiety; Brief BP elevation; and Migraine trigger. Monitoring: BP, HR.

    Does Phenylethylamine (NeuroPEA) interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: MAOIs (contraindicated); SSRIs; and Sympathomimetics. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Phenylethylamine (NeuroPEA)?

    Phenylethylamine (NeuroPEA) is generally not recommended for: Hypertension; Anxiety disorders; Migraines; MAOI use (serious risk); and Migraine sufferers.

    How strong is the evidence for Phenylethylamine (NeuroPEA)?

    Evidence level: Limited (overall score 40/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    β-Phenylethylamine: neurochemistry and clinical considerations

    Systematic Review2015Low
    PubMed

    Oral PEA has very short duration without MAO-B inhibition; clinical effect data limited.

    Trademark Ingredients

    NeuroPEA™

    Manufacturer:

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    Research Overview

    Limited Evidence
    1Total Studies
    0Human Trials
    0Meta-Analyses
    2015Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceMixed
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)Yes

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/phenylethylamine

    SuppIndex. (2026). Phenylethylamine (NeuroPEA): Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/phenylethylamine

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.

    Goal Ratings

    Focus
    Stress
    Endurance

    Stack Compatibility

    Often paired with hordenine or yohimbine in pre-workouts; avoid with MAOIs entirely.

    Caffeine AnhydrousL-TyrosineHordenine