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Tenuate

Drug class – Oral appetite suppressant
Brand Names: Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan, Tepanil

Tenuate is the brand name for the generic drug Diethylpropion. It is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine and is used in the short term treatment of obesity. It is not a substitute for diet and is used as a diet supplement in conjunction to diet and exercise.

How to use

• Tenuate should be taken only on consultation with a doctor to guard against possible side effects and probable drug interactions.
• Tenuate exemplifies the best effect when taken in an empty stomach an hour before meals.
• Tenuate is mainly used in the short term treatment of obesity. Therefore, it should not be used for more than 8 to 12 weeks considering the possibilities for addiction.
• Sustained-release or long acting products must be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing them will destroy the long action and may cause increased side effects.

Side Effects

The initial adjustment: As your body adjusts to the medication, you may have dry mouth, unpleasant taste, restlessness, anxiety, dizziness, depression, tremors, upset stomach, vomiting and frequent urination during the first few days.

What to avoid: Tenuate may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and may even hide the symptoms of extreme tiredness. Therefore, use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.

Consult a doctor: Consult your doctor if these effects persist or you experience fast or irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, blurred vision, skin rash, itching, breathing problems, chest pain, fainting, swelling of the ankles or feet, fever, sore throat, chills, painful urination.

Drug interaction

• Consult your doctor and inform about all the prescription and nonprescription drugs you use.
• Inform your doctor if you are taking antidepressants, hypertension or weight loss drugs as these drugs may deter the effects of Tenuate.
• Notify your doctor before taking Tenuate if you are suffering from hypertension and are on drugs like guanethidine (Ismelin) as Tenuate is said to reduce its effect thus causing an elevation in blood pressure levels.
• Do not take Tenuate especially if you on monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) even in the last 14 days.
• Inform your doctor before taking Tenuate if you are on a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), or desipramine (Norpramin) as these drugs may diminish the effects of Tenuate.
• Administer Tenuate after judging all possibilities of drug interaction.

Precautions

• It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Tenuate if you are affected by conditions like hypertension, glaucoma, diabetes, anxiety disorder, thyroid problems, heart disease, etc.
• Notify your doctor before using the drug, against history of drug and alcohol abuse.
• Tenuate should not be taken by pregnant woman since Tenuate is in the FDA pregnancy category B which may cause birth defects in an unborn baby.
• Tenuate should not also be used by lactating mothers. Though not clinically proved, there is possibility that this diet pill may be passed into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor for you may have to stop nursing or stop using this drug.
• Those suffering from epilepsy or seizures should not take Tenuate.

Dosage

• Tenuate is usually taken three times a day (regular-release formula) on an empty stomach or as prescribed by the doctor.
• The sustained-release formulation is usually taken once a day in the midmorning.
• In any case, Tenuate diet pills are strictly advised to be used only under medical supervision so as to prevent probable drug interaction and possible side-effects.
• The dosage for the drug varies from person to person depending upon the body metabolism.

Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Tenuate overdose include restlessness, tremor, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, convulsions, unconsciousness panic, drowsiness, aggressiveness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat and seizures.

Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is too late or almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. A dose taken too late in the day will cause insomnia. Never take a double dose of this medication.

Storage
Tenuate diet pill should be stored at room temperature in a cool and dry place. Keep away from the reach of children.

Important note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be interpreted to indicate that use of the drug is safe, apt, or effectual for you. It is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider before using this drug.