Phenethylamine |
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This article requires proofreading. As such, it likely contains incorrect grammar, spelling, and punctuation. |
Phenethylamine (also called PEA, β-phenylethylamine, β-phenethylamine, or benzeneethanamine) is trace amine and influencer of many neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Phenethylamine is an important molecule in the brain, but is not often used as a supplement because it is rapidly broken down into inactive components.[1]
Phenylethylamine functions as a monoaminergic neuromodulator and, to a lesser extent, a neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system. In addition to its presence in mammals, phenethylamine is found in many other organisms and foods, such as chocolate.[2] It is also plays a role in feelings of affection, and this mechanism is perhaps partially responsible for its empathy, love and sociability enhancement effects.[3]
When taken in combination with an MAOI such as hordenine, it produces profound entactogenic effects similar to that of MDMA.
Contents
Chemistry
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This chemistry section is incomplete. You can help by adding to it. |
Phenethylamine comprises a benzene ring attached to a mono-amine group via an ethyl side-chain. Orally ingested without a MAOI, phenethylamine experiences extensive first-pass metabolism by monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and then aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which metabolize it into phenylacetic acid. This prevents significant concentrations from reaching the brain in low doses.[4]
In the body, it is biosynthesized from the amino acid L-phenylalanine by enzymatic decarboxylation via the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase.[5]
Hydrogen atoms around the structure can be substituted for other functional groups to produce drugs of varying potency, affinity, efficacy and half-life.
Pharmacology
The psychedelic effects of phenethylamines are believed to come from their efficacy at the 5-HT2A receptor as a partial agonist. However, the role of these interactions and how they result in the psychedelic experience continues to remain elusive.
Several neurotransmitters are derived from phenethylamine such as:
Subjective effects
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This subjective effect breakdown is a stub. As such, it may contain incomplete or wrong information and is still in progress. You can help by expanding it. |
The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects.
The effects described are most often associated with combining phenethylamine with a MAOI such as hordenine, but may be present by itself in high doses.
Physical effects
- Physical euphoria
- Tactile enhancement
- Spontaneous tactile sensations - The "body high" of phenethylamine can be described as a moderate to extreme euphoric, soft and warm tingling sensation that encompasses the entire body. It is capable of becoming overwhelmingly pleasurable at higher doses. This sensation maintains a consistent presence that steadily rises with the onset and hits its limit once the peak has been reached.
- Increased perspiration
- Temporary erectile dysfunction
Cognitive effects
The cognitive effects of phenethylamine can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of phenethylamine is described by many as one of euphoria and feelings of love or empathy. It contains a number of typical entactogenic cognitive effects.
The most prominent of these cognitive effects generally include:
- Cognitive euphoria - Strong emotional euphoria and feelings of happiness are present within phenethylamine and are a direct result of serotonin release.
- Empathy, love and sociability enhancement - This particular effect is equally as pronounced, powerful and therapeutic as that of MDMA or 2C-B.
- Thought acceleration
- Mindfulness
- Unity and interconnectedness - At higher doses, this particular effect is equally as pronounced and powerful as MDMA.
- Immersion enhancement
- Anxiety or Anxiety suppression
- Novelty enhancement
- Focus enhancement
- Increased libido
Visual effects
The visual effects of phenethylamine only occur at higher doses and are subtly psychedelic. These generally include:
Legal issues
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This legality section is a stub. As such, it likely contains incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it. |
In most countries, phenethylamine is easily accessible. It is sold as a dietary supplement for purported mood and weight loss related therapeutic benefits.
Substitutions
Substituted phenethylamine refers to an exceedingly broad class of compounds that include some of the most well known stimulants, psychedelics, entheogens and medically valuable compounds that treat a wide range of diseases.
List
Table
| RN | Rα | Rβ | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-FMA | ||||||||
| 25B-NBOMe | CH₂-C₆H₄-OCH₃ | OCH₃ | Br | OCH₃ | ||||
| 25C-NBOMe | CH₂-C₆H₄-OCH₃ | OCH₃ | Cl | OCH₃ | ||||
| 25D-NBOMe | CH₂-C₆H₄-OCH₃ | OCH₃ | CH₃ | OCH₃ | ||||
| 25I-NBOMe | CH₂-C₆H₄-OCH₃ | OCH₃ | I | OCH₃ | ||||
| 25N-NBOMe | ||||||||
| 2C-B | OCH₃ | Br | OCH₃ | |||||
| 2C-B-FLY | ||||||||
| 2C-C | ||||||||
| 2C-D | ||||||||
| 2C-E | OCH₃ | CH₂-CH₃ | OCH₃ | |||||
| 2C-I | OCH₃ | I | OCH₃ | |||||
| 2C-P | OCH₃ | CH₂-CH₃-CH₃ | OCH₃ | |||||
| 2C-T-2 | OCH₃ | S-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃ | OCH₃ | |||||
| 2C-T-7 | OCH₃ | S-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃ | OCH₃ | |||||
| 3-MMC | ||||||||
| 4-FA | ||||||||
| 5-APB | ||||||||
| Allylescaline | ||||||||
| Amphetamine | ||||||||
| Bk-2C-B | ||||||||
| DOB | CH₃ | OCH₃ | Br | OCH₃ | ||||
| DOC | CH₃ | OCH₃ | Cl | OCH₃ | ||||
| DOI | ||||||||
| DOM | CH₃ | OCH₃ | CH₃ | OCH₃ | ||||
| Experience:3-MeO-PCP, LSD,Clonazolam, Amphetamine- Excessive Amounts and Excessive Confusion | ||||||||
| MDA | ||||||||
| MDMA | ||||||||
| Mephedrone | ||||||||
| Mescaline | ||||||||
| Methallylescaline | ||||||||
| Methamphetamine | ||||||||
| Methylone | ||||||||
| Mexedrone |
