Phenmetrazine
Phenmetrazine is a classic stimulant appetite suppressant formerly marketed as Preludin. It is a potent catecholamine releaser with recognised abuse liability, and was withdrawn from most markets after widespread misuse.
01 Overview
Phenmetrazine was introduced in the 1950s as an anorectic and enjoyed wide medical use before its high abuse potential became apparent. It circulated recreationally under the brand Preludin, notably as an injected stimulant, and was progressively withdrawn and controlled.
As a well-studied older drug it has more human data than most compounds in this class, though modern clinical use is essentially nil. It serves as the structural parent of several contemporary phenmetrazine-type research chemicals.
02 Mechanism
Acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agent, producing potent stimulation and appetite suppression.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 12–25 mg | Oral | Historical anorectic dosing began around this range. |
| Common | 25–50 mg | Oral | Approximate former therapeutic dose. |
| Strong | 50–75 mg | Oral | Higher doses associated with misuse and greater cardiovascular risk. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| StimulationMarked energy, alertness and wakefulness comparable to amphetamine. | strong | Observational | |
| Appetite suppressionPotent anorectic effect, the basis of its former medical use. | Clinical | ||
| EuphoriaMood elevation contributing to its abuse potential. | Observational |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InsomniaProlonged wakefulness following use. | Moderate | Very common | Observational | |
| Dependence and abuseStrong reinforcing effects drove widespread misuse and dependence, leading to market withdrawal. | Severe | Common | Observational | |
| Cardiovascular strainTachycardia and hypertension from sympathomimetic stimulation. | Severe | Common | Observational |