Herb & supplement monograph

Phenethylamine (pea) Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Phenethylamine (pea) interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Phenethylamine (pea) is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Phenethylamine (pea) is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Phenethylamine (pea) Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Phenethylamine (pea) drug interaction appears low for most people, though a couple of drug classes call for extra caution. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one is graded as only possible, resting on animal research or theory rather than confirmed effects in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combinations that deserve the most attention involve MAOIs and serotonergic drugs, such as many antidepressants. Phenethylamine is normally broken down quickly by an enzyme that MAOIs block, and animal research suggests this could strengthen its stimulant-like effects. Because phenethylamine may raise serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels, pairing it with serotonergic medications could, in theory, add to serotonin-related side effects, including the rare but serious serotonin syndrome.

What the rest of the list means

Although many medications appear on the list, nearly all fall into these two broad categories, and the concern is theoretical rather than proven. The predictions come from animal studies and how the body processes this compound, and these effects have not been clearly confirmed in people. A long list here reflects caution, not evidence that each combination is harmful.

Check your medications against Phenethylamine (pea)

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Phenethylamine (pea) interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Phenethylamine (pea)

187 medications have a known interaction with Phenethylamine (pea), graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Phenethylamine (pea) using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Phenethylamine (pea) interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Phenethylamine (pea) combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Phenethylamine (pea) affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Phenethylamine (pea) is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Phenethylamine (pea) interacts with

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois)Serotonergic Drugs

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, taking phenethylamine concomitantly with MAOIs may increase adverse effects.
In humans, phenethylamine is oxidized by MAO-B to form the inactive metabolite phenylacetic acid. Animal research shows that administering an MAOI prior to phenethylamine increases the amphetamine-like effects of phenethylamine. However, low-quality clinical research has used phenethylamine with selegiline, an MAOI, with apparent safety.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, combining serotonergic drugs with phenethylamine might increase the risk of serotonergic adverse effects.
Animal research shows that phenethylamine increases levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Theoretically, combining serotonergic drugs with phenethylamine might increase the risk of additive serotonergic adverse effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders. However, low-quality clinical research has used phenethylamine with selegiline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), with apparent safety.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Phenethylamine (pea): Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Phenethylamine (PEA) is a natural compound made in the body and found in foods like chocolate; supplements are marketed for mood, focus, and energy. Reliable human research on the supplement is very limited, and it may raise blood pressure or heart rate, so people with heart or blood pressure problems should be cautious and check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Part used: Not a plant part; a naturally occurring monoamine compound (made in the body and found in some foods)
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, powders (often combined with other ingredients in pre-workout or 'mood' and 'focus' supplements)

People commonly use it for

Mood support
Focus and concentration
Energy and pre-workout boost
Feeling of well-being
Athletic performance

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

May affect heart rate and blood pressure, and human safety data for supplements is limited.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Phenethylamine (PEA), also called 2-phenylethylamine, is a small natural compound known as a monoamine. Your body makes it from the amino acid L-phenylalanine, and it acts as a signaling molecule in the brain and nervous system. It is also found in small amounts in certain foods, most famously chocolate, as well as some cheeses and other products.

As a supplement, PEA is sold in capsules, tablets, and powders. It is often included in products marketed for mood, focus, energy, or workout performance. Some people take it on its own, while many products combine it with caffeine or other stimulants.

It is important to know that PEA taken by mouth is broken down very quickly by the body, which makes its effects from supplements uncertain.

How it works

In the brain, PEA is thought to act as a neuromodulator — it can influence the release and activity of chemical messengers such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This is why it is sometimes described as having stimulant-like or mood-related effects.

PEA is broken down very fast by an enzyme called monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). This rapid breakdown means PEA usually stays in the body only briefly. Some supplement makers pair PEA with ingredients meant to slow this breakdown, but this can increase the chance of side effects.

Most of these mechanisms are based on laboratory and animal research, and the way supplements behave in real people is not fully understood.

Effectiveness

Does Phenethylamine (pea) work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 3 uses evaluated

3 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Phenethylamine (pea), current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 3 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral phenethylamine for athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phenethylamine for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Depression

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral phenethylamine is beneficial in patients with depression.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral phenethylamine for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of phenethylamine for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Because PEA can affect dopamine and norepinephrine, it may raise heart rate and blood pressure and cause stimulant-like effects. People with high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety disorders, or a history of seizures should be especially cautious and talk with a healthcare provider before using it.

PEA is found in many combination products with other stimulants, which can add to these effects. Always read the full ingredient list.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough safety information for PEA supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. To be safe, avoid use during these times.

Anyone with a medical condition or taking prescription medicines should check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting PEA, since drug interactions are possible.

Side effects

Reported or expected side effects are mainly stimulant-like and may include fast or pounding heartbeat, raised blood pressure, jitteriness, anxiety, headache, restlessness, and trouble sleeping. Nausea may also occur.

More serious effects, such as dangerously high blood pressure, are a particular concern when PEA is combined with other stimulants or with ingredients that slow its breakdown. Stop use and seek medical care if you have chest pain, severe headache, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or feel faint.

Phenethylamine (pea): Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Phenethylamine (pea) from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Reports by condition

Anxiety Neurologic/CNS

A case of anxiety and agitation has been reported for an individual who consumed a weight loss product containing phenethylamine 200-300 mg, caffeine 500-750 mg, bitter orange 400-600 mg, willow bark 150-225 mg, cayenne pepper 80-120 mg, 1,3-dimethyloamyloamine 70-105 mg, gooseberry extract 40-60 mg, bergamot orange 40-60 mg, and black pepper 10-15 mg, daily for 2 months. It is not clear if these adverse effects were related to phenethylamine or other ingredients.

Lukasik-Glebocka M, Sommerfeld K, Tezyk A, et al. [Acute poisoning with weight-loss dietary supplement falsely suggesting the use of amphetamine]. Przegl Lek. 2013;70(10):880-3.

Myasthenia gravis Cardiovascular

A case of tachycardia has been reported for an individual who consumed a weight loss product containing phenethylamine 200-300 mg, as well as caffeine 500-750 mg, bitter orange 400-600 mg, willow bark 150-225 mg, cayenne pepper 80-120 mg, 1,3-dimethyloamyloamine 70-105 mg, gooseberry extract 40-60 mg, bergamot orange 40-60 mg, and black pepper 10-15 mg, daily for 2 months. It is not clear if these adverse effects were related to phenethylamine.

Lukasik-Glebocka M, Sommerfeld K, Tezyk A, et al. [Acute poisoning with weight-loss dietary supplement falsely suggesting the use of amphetamine]. Przegl Lek. 2013;70(10):880-3.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established or standardized dose for PEA supplements, and reliable studies on safe and effective amounts are lacking. Products vary widely in how much they contain and what else they are combined with.

If you choose to try it, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the recommended amount. It is best to start cautiously and to check with a pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you take other supplements or medicines or have any health conditions.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Phenethylamine (pea) & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Phenethylamine (pea) & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 9 references that drive our Phenethylamine (pea) monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Singhal AB, Caviness VS, Begleiter AF, et al. Cerebral vasoconstriction and stroke after use of serotonergic drugs. Neurology 2002;58:130-3. PubMed
Sabelli H, Fink P, Fawcett J, et al. Sustained antidepressant effect of PEA replacement. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1996;8(2):168-71.
Xie Z, Miller G. Beta-phenylehtylamine alters monoamine transporter function via trace amine-associated receptor 1: implication for modulatory roles of trace amines in brain. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2008;325(2):617-28.
Lukasik-Glebocka M, Sommerfeld K, Tezyk A, et al. [Acute poisoning with weight-loss dietary supplement falsely suggesting the use of amphetamine]. Przegl Lek. 2013;70(10):880-3.
Nakamura M, Ishii A, Nakahara D. Characterization of beta-phenyltheylamine-induced monoamine release in rat nucleus accumbens: a microdialysis study. Eur J Pharmacol. 1998;349(2-3):163-9.
Bailey B, Philips S, Boulton A. In vivo release of endogenous dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and some of their metabolites from rat caudate nucleus by phenylethylamine. Neurochem Res. 1987;12(2):173-8. PubMed
Mantegazza P, Riva M. Amphetamine-like activity of beta-phenethylamine after a monoamine oxidase inhibitor in vivo. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 1963;151(1):472-8.
Grimsby J, Toth M, Chen K, et al. Increased stress response and beta-phenylethylamine in MAOB-deficient mice. Nat Genet. 1997;17(2):206-10.
Lindemann L, Hoener MC. A renaissance in trace amines inspired by a novel GPCR family. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2005;26(5):274-81. PubMed

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Phenethylamine (pea)

105 brands in our database make a supplement containing Phenethylamine (pea).

Core Labs X 1 product Core Nutritionals 454 products CTD 2 products Designed by Dean 10 products DNA Anabolics 26 products Enraged 24 products EVOchem 2 products EVOchem Nutrition 5 products eXplicit Supplements 79 products FINAFLEX 95 products GAT 19 products GE Pharma 2 products GEC Genetic Edge Compounds 13 products Generix Laboratories 2 products Grenade 3 products GymFlo 3 products Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals 106 products HTP Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals 15 products Hypergenetic Labs 1 product IMSOALPHA 32 products Infinite Labs 44 products Innovative 2 products Innovative Bio-Labs 2 products Innovative Diet Labs 3 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Phenethylamine (pea)

208 products in our database contain Phenethylamine (pea). Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Phenethylamine (pea): Common Questions

What is Phenethylamine (pea) used for, and does it work?

People use Phenethylamine (pea) for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Phenethylamine (pea) interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 187 medications with a known interaction with Phenethylamine (pea). Use the checker above to see how Phenethylamine (pea) interacts with a specific drug.

How are Phenethylamine (pea) interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Phenethylamine (pea) with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Phenethylamine (pea) interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Phenethylamine (pea) used for?

It is popularly used in supplements marketed for mood, focus, energy, and workout performance. However, strong human evidence supporting these uses is lacking.

Is PEA the same as the chemical in chocolate?

Yes, PEA is one of the natural compounds found in chocolate, though only in small amounts. The amount in food is far lower than in concentrated supplements.

Is phenethylamine safe to take?

Safety data for supplements is limited. Because it can raise heart rate and blood pressure and act like a stimulant, people with heart or blood pressure problems, anxiety, or seizure history should be cautious and talk to a healthcare provider first.

Can I take PEA while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid PEA supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Phenethylamine (pea)

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Phenethylamine (pea) — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 208 products with Phenethylamine (pea) →

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Phenethylamine (pea) Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Phenethylamine (pea) Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Phenethylamine (pea)

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Phenethylamine (pea) affects

Phenethylamine (pea): Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Phenethylamine (pea) work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Phenethylamine (pea): Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Phenethylamine (pea) & Pregnancy

Phenethylamine (pea) & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Phenethylamine (pea)

Supplement products with Phenethylamine (pea)

Phenethylamine (pea): Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Phenethylamine (pea)

Have a question about Phenethylamine (pea)?