Phenylethylamine (PEA) Log
High Dosage (5 grams) Experiences
By Kagalive (your friendly guinea-pig)
(Phenylethylamine (PEA) chemical structure, aka the love drug).
So today I am trying a high dose (around 5 grams) of Phenylethylamine (PEA). In my experiences doses like this flood the bodies normal PEA metabolic pathways causing PEA to cross the blood-brain barrier. This log will chronicle my subjective experiences with this chemical.
PEA is the chemical known as the "love drug" and is found in small amounts in chocolate. Generally it is extensively metabolized by monoamine-oxidase and some people use it alongside a Monoamine-Oxidase-Inhibitor (MAO-I) such as Hordenine (Supplement) or Mertazapine (Prescription Drug). Generally if you use an MAO-I you need a much lower dosage of PEA to feel the effects. I would not under any circumstances recommend anywhere near a 5 gram dose if you are taking any MAO-I drugs.
When it does cross the blood-brain barrier PEA exhibits several nootropic and mood enhancing properties. It can also illicit a high and as such may be addictive. Generally it is claimed to enhance focus, concentration, improve mood and counter-act depression. Side effects include Anxiety, Bruxism (Clenched Teeth) and Potential Addiction/Withdrawal (with chronic use). Tolerance also seems to build quickly to this drug so reserve it for when you really need a boost. (Once a week maximum, preferably monthly or less, especially in high doses - lower doses may be safe to use daily but I have not researched this).
For reference this morning (about 2-3 hours ago) I also took 4.8 grams of Piracetam. I am also a smoker and have had about 6mg of nicotine since waking up. (About 4 hours ago). I have access to several other nootropics and racetams (ani/oxi/prami etc)... but am avoiding taking them to try to get a more smooth-viable appreciation of the PEA. I have also had some caffeine earlier in the day. (About 200mg total).
As far as cost goes I got 200 grams of PEA for about $50.00 USD. Generally though smaller amounts (25-50g) cost about $20-$40 on popular auction sites. Several online suppliers also provide access to this chemical but are generally more expensive than the auction sites.
NOTE: This dosage is quite high and possibly dangerous. I have built up to this dose over several months and have a lot of experience with this drug. As such I do not recommend you try this high dose. (An average dose is 250-500mg making this 10-20 times the regular dosage suggestion).
LOG:
(Time period is in hours:minutes beginning at Time 0.)
+0:00 5 grams of PEA taken about 1 hour after eating lunch, taken with water. The taste is strong and unpleasant and was promptly followed by several peppermints to counter the horrible aftertaste.
+0:08 Breathing speed and heart-rate seem to have increased slightly, this is currently the only observable effect.
+0:12 I've noticed I seem to be salivating more than normal. Minor bruxism (clenched-teeth) is also observed. A general wave of energy and a mood lift is also beginning to be noticed.
+0:15 Generally noticed an increase in excitement and stomach-butterflies, this may be purely anticipation and a placebo-effect however.
+0:20 Focus is dramatically increased, hyper-focus is observable and enhanced concentration. Possibly mild hypo-mania. General euphoria and 'feeling good' vibes. Excitement throughout body.
+0:25 Hyper concentration and mild euphoria is observable at this stage. Generally great mood and a feeling of 'on-top-of-the-world' is noticeable. Definitely beyond placebo. Heart rate seems increased. There may be an increase in blood pressure here, but I have no way of measuring it. A slight nauseous stomach is noticed as is a mild head-pounding (not really aching and somewhat, surprisingly, pleasant). Concentration is dramatically enhanced and normally mundane-repetitive tasks are easily completed. This may be a miracle drug if used during examinations, as I feel my IQ is temporarily boosted. Memory seems also enhanced and more vivid/clear.
+0:30 A strange sensation now, feel like I may be coming down. It's slowly getting harder to concentrate as I return to baseline. The 'high' was quite nice but it definitely did not seem to last long. I expect with co-commitant use of an MAO-I the duration of the 'high' would be dramatically enhanced, although I have not verified this. Heart rate feels slower but still 'heavy'. Bruxism is gone, but my tongue feels weird at the moment, sort of furry. Appetite is
+0:35 Definitely slowly coming down now, returning to baseline. Focus is still enhanced as is concentration. Euphoria is quickly fading and dysphoria is slowly taking hold. Depending on the intensity of the come-down this may not be worth it. (Time will tell on this however.)
+0:40 Music sounds better (listening to the radio at the moment). Colors do not seem enhanced. Generally good mood and optimistic life-outlook at the moment. Anxiety and depression not present currently.
+0:45 Heart rate is increased dramatically and I seem to be sweating. I am convinced my blood pressure is up despite being able to measure it. Hyper focus and concentration is still without-a-doubt present. I am beginning to think this is at least as powerful as Modafinil (Provigil)/Ritalin and/or adderal. (Athough I haven't tried any of these).
+0:50 Coming down now with out a doubt. This was definitely beyond placebo effect and was quite an intensive high.
+0:55 I am surprised this is legal considering the level of 'high' you can achieve with this drug. It is comparable to many street drugs.
+1:00 The infamous 'Shulgin' , author of the Pihkal (Phenylethylamines I have known and loved) was qouted as sayind pure PEA was inactive because it doesn't cross the blood brain barrier. I can now say with 100% confidence this claim is false. In high doses or with use of an MAO-I PEA is extremely psychoactive. The number one downside is the 'high' doesn't last very long, and the come-down is quite dramatic (although it does not last long). I have also noticed through prior experience if you continue to re-dose tolerance appears almost instantly, and if you keep at it you pretty much pass out (fall asleep) as you become overwhelmed with intense tiredness. I feel like I am pretty much back to base-line now (come-down almost over), so I will end this log here.
Comments:
All in all PEA is a remarkable experience. Definitely worth trying at least once, but probably not in the high-extreme dosage I attempted today. I think if you are new to PEA 1-2g would be enough to get the full experience, with a reduced come-down. Remember the recommended dosage is only 250-500mg daily, so if you do attempt a mega-dose like this do not do it too often. - I have also read that PEA may down-regulate dopamine receptors, and also increase Nitric Oxide (NOS) levels in the brain to potentially dangerous levels. If in doubt please contact your medical professional before taking this substance. None of these statements have been evaluated by the Food-and-Drug Administration (FDA USA), and none of this is under any circumstances medical advice.
Please use the rest of this thread to offer comments, ask questions and related queries to the chemical Phenylethylamine (PEA). Thank you for reading this log, my apologies for it being somewhat long, thank you for having the patience to read it all...