The following health and medicine information is merely a summary about the medication Tenuate and also Generic Tenuate
(Diethylpropion). The medical information is not and should not be intended to replace your doctor or personal physicians' instructions.
(Appetite Suppressant - ORAL)
USES
Tenuate, an appetite
suppressant, is prescribed for short-term use (a few weeks) as part of an
overall diet plan for weight reduction. It is available in two forms:
immediate-release tablets (Tenuate) and controlled-release tablets (Tenuate
Dospan). Tenuate should be used with a behavior modification program.
HOW TO TAKE THIS
MEDICATION
This medication is to be taken once daily, swallowed
whole, in midmorning. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than
prescribed because this drug can be habit forming. Also, if used for a longer
period of time, do not suddenly stop this medication without first consulting
your doctor. Tenuate is usually taken for 8 to 12 weeks.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects
cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor
as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to
continue using Tenuate. Side effects may include: abdominal discomfort, abnormal
redness of the skin, anxiety, blood pressure elevation, blurred vision, breast
development in males, bruising, changes in sex drive, chest pain, constipation,
depression, diarrhea, difficulty with voluntary movements, dizziness,
drowsiness, dryness of the mouth, feelings of discomfort, feelings of elation,
feeling of illness, hair loss, headache, hives, impotence, inability to fall or
stay asleep, increased heart rate, increased seizures in epileptics, increased
sweating, increased volume of diluted urine, irregular heartbeat, jitteriness,
menstrual upset, muscle pain, nausea, nervousness, over stimulation, painful
urination, palpitations, pupil dilation, rash, restlessness, shortness of breath
or labored breathing, stomach and intestinal disturbances, tremors, unpleasant
taste, vomiting.
PRECAUTIONS (Know Before you Buy Online)
Tenuate will
lose its effectiveness within a few weeks. When this begins to happen, you
should discontinue the medicine rather than increase the dosage.
DRUG INTERACTIONS (Know Before you Buy Online)
Tenuate
or Tenuate Dospan may interact with alcohol unfavorably. Do not drink alcohol
while taking this medication. If Tenuate or Tenuate Dospan are taken with
certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or
altered. It is especially important that you consult your doctor before
combining Tenuate with the following: blood pressure medications such as
Ismelin, Insulin and Phenothiazine drugs such as the major tranquilizer
Thorazine.
NOTES
If you are sensitive
to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Tenuate or other appetite
suppressants, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor is
aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Do not take this drug
if you have severe hardening of the arteries, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma,
or severe high blood pressure, or if you are agitated, have a history of drug
abuse or are taking an MAO inhibitor (antidepressant drug such as Nardil) or
have taken one within the last 14 days.
Tenuate or Tenuate Dospan may
impair your ability to engage in potentially hazardous activities. Therefore,
make sure you know how you react to this medication before you drive, operate
dangerous machinery, or do anything else that requires alertness or
concentration.
If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, use
caution when taking this medication.
This drug may increase convulsions
in some epileptics. your doctor should monitor you carefully if you have
epilepsy.
Psychological dependence has occurred while taking this drug.
Talk with your doctor if you find you are relying on Tenuate to maintain a state
of well-being. The abrupt withdrawal of this medication following prolonged use
at high doses may result in extreme fatigue, mental depression, and sleep
disturbances.
Any medication taken in excess can have serious
consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment
immediately.
Symptoms of Tenuate overdose may include: abdominal cramps,
assaultiveness, confusion, depression, diarrhea, elevated blood pressure,
fatigue, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, lowered blood pressure, nausea,
overreactive reflexes, panic state, rapid breathing, restlessness, tremors,
vomiting.
MISSED DOSE
If you are
taking the immediate-release form of Tenuate, go back to your regular schedule
at the next meal. If you are taking Tenuate Dospan, take the missed dose as soon
as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose. NEVER
TAKE TWO DOSES AT ONCE.
STORAGE
Store at room
temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from excessive heat
