Phenylethylamine: characteristics of this neurotransmitter

When we go through specific stages of our life, our body synthesizes different types of chemical substances or “natural drugs”. The stage of falling in love is one of them, where large amounts of phenylethylamine are produced.

Phenylethylamine is an organic compound belonging to the group of amphetamines. In this article we will learn about its characteristics, its effects and what factors can trigger its synthesis.

• Related article: "Types of neurotransmitters: functions and classification"

Phenylethylamine: characteristics of this neurotransmitter

Phenylethylamine is an essential amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter. It is an organic compound produced by the brain, belonging to the group of amphetamines. It is a natural drug that the body itself manufactures, and that stimulates the nervous system.

At a chemical level, its structure is also found in complex ring systems such as Ergoline (LSD) or Morfinan (morphine).

Falling in love could be due to or start with this molecule, phenylethylamine, which causes exaltation, joy and euphoria. Thus, it is considered the biochemical substance "responsible for love", since when we fall in love or when we are overexcited, the body increases its production. So much so, that high amounts of phenylethylamine are found in the urine during the stage of falling in love.

This we can relate it to loss of appetite, euphoria and the ability of a person in love to do without sleep, as it happens in this emotional stage.

love disenchantment

When "our hearts are broken" or when said love is unrequited, after that euphoric phase of the first stage, a period of "depression", sadness or lethargy appears. these symptoms are very similar to those that appear in the withdrawal syndrome of a person addicted to amphetamines.

At this stage, the individual stops producing phenylethylamine naturally. As we will see later, chocolate can be a good ally at this time, since it contains phenylethylamine.

Other associated chemicals

But continuing with the stage of falling in love (or when we correspond emotionally at a loving level), it is then when the brain is flooded with this natural drug, phenylethylamine.

Besides, Dopamine levels also increase, an excitatory neurotransmitter and responsible for feelings of pleasure, as well as norepinephrine and oxytocin levels. In turn, dopamine influences the area of ​​physical and mental energy (concentration and ability to recover memories).

For its part, oxytocin is responsible for contractions in the uterus to give birth and to make milk flow to breastfeed the baby, as well as being a chemical messenger of sexual desire.

In addition, phenylethylamine helps produce other neurotransmitters, and is responsible for the fact that people in love can invest a lot of energy in thinking about the loved one, or even in having sex without feeling hungry or sleepy, even losing track of time. It is as if the body "lost" the ability to feel tired, or endure many more active hours.

Research

In the 80s, phenylethylamine was studied for the first time in relation to how it influences the feeling of love. The first investigations were carried out at the New York Psychiatric Institute (USA), by doctors Donald F. Klein and Michael Lebowitz.

These researchers suggested that the brain of a lover contains large amounts of phenylethylamine. In addition, they affirmed that this was responsible for the change of reactions in the person's body at a physiological level, but also at a psychological level.

Klein and Lebowitz, in their theory, also state that the production of phenylethylamine in the brain can be triggered by an exchange of glances, a touch or a handshake. When this happens, the brain of the person in love responds with sensations and physiological modifications responsible for the acts and sensations of romantic love.

These sensations or responses are wakefulness, "grogginess," lack of appetite, and extreme happiness (or euphoria). These sensations are similar to those of the consumption of certain drugs such as cannabis, laughing mushrooms or amphetamines.

The act of falling in love

On the other hand, falling in love itself is not eternal, and is limited in time. At the level of the organism, this is understandable, since this I couldn't last very long with this level of arousal or arousal. (or if I put up with it, it would end up being detrimental). That is, that falling in love can last weeks, months or even in some cases, a few years.

Thus, little by little the body balances itself from this chemical whirlwind and a more stable stage appears, the stage of love.

• You may be interested in: "The 3 phases of love and its characteristics"

What substances and situations increase your levels?

As we have seen, when there are high concentrations of phenylethylamine in the brain, B-endorphins, opioid peptides are also released that fuel the secretion of neurotransmitters such as dopamine.

Phenylethylamine can be produced and activated by ingesting certain drugs, foods, or supplements. It is also triggered by certain emotions or stages (such as falling in love), or by certain physical and/or pleasurable sensations that produce certain specific stimuli (for example, a look).

Sport also produces the release of endorphins, as well as listening to music that we like or being exposed to light.

Some of the foods that activate phenylethylamine are the chocolate (phenylethylamine carrier; produces psychoactive effects) or some types of cheese such as the so-called Stilton (a lactose variety). It consists of an English cheese, which is only produced in three English counties (Derbyshire, Leicestershine and Nottinghamshire).

Banana, egg, raw soybean, lentils are also included., almonds and walnuts.

Bibliographic references:

• Freymann, R. (2011). Love, future perfect? Science Ergo Sum, 18(2), 187-191. Autonomous University of the State of Mexico Toluca, Mexico.
• Saiz, M. (2015). The phenylethylamine of love. Independientes, Magazine specialized in addictions.
• Stahl, S.M. (2002). Essential Psychopharmacology. Neuroscientific bases and clinical applications. Barcelona: Ariel.