This resulted in the obtention of a small library of derivatives with low inhibition effects towards in vitro pig kidney ALR2 (Figure 7). The presence of an amino or aminomethyl group at R2 caused mixed effects on DA reuptake inhibition depending on the nature of the Ar group (compound 1vs.5; compound 2vs.6). Compounds with similar structures were shown to have similar inhibitory activities for DA reuptake (Iversen et al., 2013). Structure–activity relationship of β-phenethylamine derivatives (1-29) with respect to the inhibition of dopamine reuptake.
Physical Health Considerations
Theoretical approaches to rationalize isoform selection by substrates have been described 214,215. As these two oxidases are responsible for neurotransmitter inactivation by oxidation, their dysfunction drives several neurological disorders, hence the therapeutic attractiveness (Figure 19, Table 7). ALR2 aldose reductase is an enzyme of the polyol pathway responsible for the transformation of glucose into sorbitol, with relevant involvement in long-term diabetic complications. A series of modified 2-phenethylamines 85 comprising the insertion of aliphatic chains, aromatic rings or carboxylic acids were elaborated by Sun et al. 130.
Effects In Animals And Humans
Several notable recreational drugs, such as MDPV (Monkey Dust), MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, and cathinone, are also members of the class. Many well-known prescription drugs are from the phenylethylamine class such as Adderall which uses Amphetamine, Desoxyn which uses methamphetamine, and Sudafed which uses pseudoephedrine. Numerous endogenous compounds—including hormones, monoamine neurotransmitters, and many trace amines (e.g., dopamine, norepinephrine, adrenaline, tyramine, and others)—are substituted phenethylamines. Dopamine is simply phenethylamine with a hydroxyl group attached to the 3 and 4 position of the benzene ring. Several notable recreational drugs, such as MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, and cathinones, are also members of the class.

Do not use Phenylethylamine (PEA) if you are using a prescription MAOI like Marplan, Nardil, Azilect or Parnate, or have used one in the last 14 days. Dosing more than recommended is NOT a good idea because you’ll likely feel jittery, irritable, get a headache, feel nausea, and very possibly force your heart rate to dangerous levels. The sustained antidepressant effect of Phenylethylamine (PEA) may be an alternative to SSRIs. A higher concentration of all of these neurotransmitters increase feelings of pleasure, boosts motivation, improves memory and cognition, and reinforces impulse control.
Structure–activity Relationship Of Β-phenethylamines
I do feel it for about 30 minutes, especially if I take a break for a day or two. Doesn’t seem like it with such a short half life and is being taken once a day but I’m just curious since I get conflicting views. You definitely have to be careful about taking phenylethylamine with other stimulants. Phenylethylamine is helpful for most neurohackers to combat anxiety, stress, and sleep deprivation. A study done in 2008 showed that PEA alters serotonin transporters by interacting with TAAR receptors. Increasing serotonin levels by preventing their reuptake just like prescription SSRIs.
Pages In Phenethylamines

People who don’t make enough phenethylamine naturally may be helped by taking phenethylamine as a supplement. However, too much phenethylamine might cause side effects similar to the drug amphetamine. This review represents a concise, central summary of relevant 2-phenethylamine-based leads and research hits, which spans receptors and their corresponding therapeutic indications. This report serves as a guide to researchers interested in medicinal chemistry to identify suitable ligand–target associations displaying the aforementioned motif, as well as help to identify prospective targets of brand-new molecules with the 2-phenethylamine core embedded. Jensen et al. developed 25CN-NBOH (135) (Figure 17a) as a result of halide substitution by the cyano moiety, displaying high-picomolar/low-nanomolar binding affinities (competition binding assays with 3Hketanserin) and functional potencies at 5-HT2A receptor. Leth-Petersen et al. 199 designed a library of 25B-NBOMe analogues 136, such as 137 or 138 in the search of decreasing intrinsic clearance (Figure 17b).
It serves as a main target for recreational drugs as well as psychostimulant and antidepressant drugs. Classically, DAT ligands are classified in amphetamine-type and cocaine-type structures 164. While cocaine-type molecules exert inhibitory binding to DAT, amphetamine-type ones are substrates that are effectively transported to the presynaptic neuron, stimulating efflux of cytosolic dopamine 165. The 2-phenethylamine motif is widely present in nature, from simple, open-chain structures to more complex polycyclic molecular arrangements.
Sources Of Phenethylamines
In PIHKAL, Shulgin notes that during an experience with 25 mg of 2C-E, he became “anxious and sweaty” within a few minutes of taking the substance 3. He also experienced “toxic psychosis,” and hearing voices talk to him about his worst fears. Another user notes an “intense” experience after ingesting 16 mg of 2C-E in an oral solution 3, 9. At the peak of the high, the user experienced “extreme hallucinations” and suicidal thoughts, lasting for approximately 30 min 3, 9.
1 Acute Β-PEA Significantly Increased Circling And Head-Twitching Behaviors In Mice
- There are a number of drug interactions to be aware of if you plan to take phenylethylamine supplements.
- These effects are likely mediated by DAD1R in the dorsal striatum of rodents.
- Latest reports in discovering new bioactive 2-phenethylamines by research groups are covered too.
- Burnett et al. suggest ketamine as an alternative chemical restraint agent for patients in excited delirium, and they are not alone in this suggestion 52, 53.
- Phenethylamine supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use.
Several naturally occurring alkaloids, i.e., morphine, (S)-reticuline or berberine, embedded in the 2-phenethylamine unit form more complex cyclic frameworks derived from its natural biosynthetic pathways (Figure 1). Β-PEA is a primary amine with the amino group attached to a benzene ring through a two-carbon or ethyl group. Some derivatives of β-PEA, such as 3C-E, 3C-P, allylescaline, escaline, isoproscaline, and methallylescaline, are designer drugs (Dean et al., 2013). A designer drug is a structural or functional analog of a controlled substance that has been designed to mimic the pharmacological effects of the original drug while avoiding classification as illegal and/or detection in standard drug tests (Wohlfarth and Weinmann, 2010; Weaver et al., 2015). For the series of arylalkylamine derivatives (Table 1), the inhibition of DA reuptake was enhanced in the order of compounds having phenyl, thiophenyl, and substituted phenyl groups at the Ar position (comparing compounds 1-4 and 5-8). A substituted phenyl group at the Ar position greatly reduced the DA reuptake inhibitory activities of the compounds compared to those of the others with identical substitutions at R1 and R2 (comparing compound 2vs.3 and 4; compound 6vs.7 and 8).

Interestingly, some studies suggest that it may also support weight loss by leading to reduced fluid retention and less need for water. Based on recent research, it seems to defend against depression, poor attention span and even weight gain, especially when coupled with other lifestyle changes and treatments. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Some of these medications used for depression include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and others. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are Zn-based (also Fe-based) metalloenzymes present across all living organisms of the different life kingdoms.
These substances often have considerable pharmacology at other neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These drugs typically release serotonin more readily than norepinephrine or dopamine and are thought to provide a hybrid of psychostimulant and psychedelic properties. MDMA and many others may be arguably better classified as enactogens ‘to touch within’ or empathogens ‘generating a state of empathy’ than psychedelics ‘mind-manifesting’.
A second group of food or food product that contains elevated levels of amines is meat and/or fish (Kulawik et al., 2013; Li et al., 2012; Liu et al., 2013), where amine production is part of the food spoilage reaction and can be used as an indicator of food freshness and quality. Specifically, bacteria from the families Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae can produce cadaverine and putrescine in spoiled turkey meat. It was suggested to use tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverin to quantify meat freshness (Fraqueza et al., 2012).
It might be asked where (-)ephedrine fits in the Venn diagram shown as Figure 10. Perhaps an additional (A/E; Amphetamine/Ephedrine) domain needs to be added to encompass a noradrenergic (or NET) effect. PEA works well when stacked with L-Tyrosine (for dopamine), and CDP-Choline and ALCAR (for acetylcholine). It’s a possible substitute to stimulant meds like Ritalin or Adderall for some people. It’s particularly helpful if you take Phenylethylamine prior to a stressful situation, workout, or physically demanding job.
Medical Disclaimer
Before using PEA, it’s vital to speak with a doctor, especially if you’re on any drugs or have any underlying medical issues. Hyperthermia (temperature ≥40 °C) can be treated with sedation and rapid cooling. Controlling excessive muscle activity is important in treating hyperthermia 54. For severely hyperthermic patients, sedation, intubation and extended paralysis with rocuronium or veronium may be necessary 54. Use of these non-depolarizing agents and intubation with mechanical ventilation can be supplemented with external cooling 54.