Preludiin

Preludiin is a term sometimes used to refer to the stimulant drug phenmetrazine, most commonly marketed under the brand name Preludin. While the exact spelling “preludiin” is uncommon in most sources, the substance described here corresponds to phenmetrazine, a central nervous system stimulant that was once prescribed to aid weight loss.

Phenmetrazine is a monoaminergic stimulant that increases activity in brain pathways involving norepinephrine and dopamine. This action leads to appetite suppression and increased wakefulness, with effects that can include improved focus and elevated mood at higher doses. It was used as a short-term treatment for obesity under medical supervision.

Medical use and history: Preludin was widely prescribed in the 1950s and 1960s as an appetite suppressant. Because of concerns about safety, dependence, and cardiovascular risk, it was progressively withdrawn from many markets in the following decades and is now rarely used in standard medical practice. In countries where it remains regulated, access is highly restricted and typically limited to tightly supervised circumstances.

Risks and regulation: Common side effects include insomnia, restlessness, dry mouth, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. Serious risks can involve cardiovascular events, anxiety, mood disturbances, and potential dependence or withdrawal after prolonged use. Due to these safety concerns and the potential for abuse, preludin/phenmetrazine has been heavily restricted or banned in many jurisdictions.

Related drugs: Other appetite-suppressing stimulants include phentermine, diethylpropion, and mazindol, which share a history of medical use followed by increasing regulation.

Note: This article describes the historical and pharmacological context of preludiin/phenmetrazine; it is not a recommendation for use.