Just wanted to update this thread. I bought some PEA capsules and took one yesterday and today. Today I drank a licorice tea along with the PEA (licorice has an MAOI-B inhibitor to extend the duration of the PEA).
It seems to have a very noticeable effect (of course placebo is a possibility). This morning I was feeling very mentally foggy and crummy as if I had a hangover. That feeling started going away about 30 minutes after taking the PEA. The PEA seemed to increase in intensity and seems to be fading now after 3 hours.
Both times, I have noticed an inclination to meditate. To be honest, it makes me feel a little bit
too good and
too focused. It's a little uncomfortable.
But this could also be a placebo effect. I will keep experimenting carefully.
EDIT: The reason I say "carefully" is that PEA is a natural amphetamine. Amphetamines are addictive, and I have an addictive personality.
Here is a link I just found and a quote. I used to ride my exercise bike every day to fight depression (and increase PEA naturally), but my joints hurt.
Quote:
In one study PEA was shown to relieve depression in 60% of depressed patients which is better than regular antidepressant drug therapy.
...
PEA produces effect similar to the drug amphetamine also known as speed and it can be thought of as our natural endogenous amphetamine. PEA increases psychological energy and focus, it improves concentration and gives us more get up and go; but PEA doesn’t just have a ‘speedy’ effect it interacts with other neurotransmitters increasing serotonin and dopamine activity producing complex mood elevating and antidepressant effects. Research suggests for example that an increase in PEA activity is one of the chemical changes in the brain that gives us the pleasurable feeling of being in love (along with dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and other chemicals).
...
There are many stories in online forums of people experiencing horrible comedown’s (similar to amphetamine comedown) after taking excessive doses of PEA supplements to stay awake and cram for exams, either on its own or combined with selegiline. Interestingly most of the stories were by pharmacology and medical students.
There’s also a little evidence that consuming high doses of synthetic PEA can harm dopaminergic neurons in the brain and cause Parkinson’s. I used to recommend buying a bottle of PEA supplements to perform a quick test and see if PEA deficiency is the cause of your depression however these days I no longer recommend trying PEA supplements at all, instead build up your PEA safely with amino acid precursors and exercise.
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http://www.balancingbrainchemistry.c...epression.html