Role
of Tenuate
The chemical name of Tenuate is diethylpropion.
It is an appetite suppressant that
is used along with a healthy diet
and exercise for the short-term management
of obesity. Tenuate decreases appetite
by stimulating the hypothalamus gland
and affects certain neurotransmitters
that decrease appetite. It also stimulates
the central nervous system which increases
your heart rate and blood pressure.
As Tenuate is chemically similar
to an amphetamine it has the potential
for psychological dependency. This
means that Tenuate can be habit forming
and should be used with caution. Do
not take a larger dose of Tenuate
or take it more often than your doctor
prescribes. It is important that you
take this drug exactly as directed.
Prolonged use of Tenuate may cause
withdrawal symptoms
Tenuate comes in regular and extended-release
tablets. It usually prescribed three
times a day, 1 hour before meals or
once a day in mid-morning. Do not
crush, chew, or cut Tenuate extended-release
tablets; swallow them whole.
Keep all appointments with your doctor
while on this drug, as Tenuate may
affect blood sugar levels of diabetic
patients and may cover up signs and
symptoms of hypoglycemia. Call your
doctor as soon as possible if Tenuate
loses its effect.
Side
effects of Tenuate
Side effects from Tenuate are not
common but they can occur. Inform
your doctor if any of these symptoms
are severe or do not go away:
- dry mouth
- unpleasant taste
- restlessness
- anxiety
- dizziness
- depression
- tremors
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- increased urination
If you experience any of the following
symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- heart palpitations
- blurred vision
- skin rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- fainting
- swelling of the ankles or feet
- fever
- sore throat
- chills
- painful urination
Precautions
while taking Tenuate
Before taking Tenuate inform your
doctor if you are allergic to Tenuate;
amphetamines; other diet pills; medications
for allergies, hay fever, and colds;
or any other drugs. Also inform your
doctor what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially;
- guanethidine,
- insulin,
- MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine
(Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Also tell your doctor if you have
taken other diet pills during the
past year.
Inform your doctor if you have or
ever had;
- heart or blood vessel disease,
- high blood pressure,
- an overactive thyroid gland,
- diabetes,
- glaucoma,
- pulmonary hypertension,
- seizures, or
- a history of drug abuse
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant,
plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
Know that Tenuate is excreted in breast
milk. If you become pregnant while
taking Tenuate, call your doctor as
soon as possible.
Warning: Know that Tenuate may make
you feel drowsy. Do not drive or perform
hazardous tasks while on this drug.
Also know that alcohol can add to
the feeling of drowsiness.
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