TENUATE ® (diethylpropion hydrochloride) TENUATE ® (diethylpropion hydrochloride) is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine. It is also known as an "anorectic" or an "anorexigenic" drug. Tenuate stimulates the central nervous system (nerves and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure and decreases your appetite. Tenuate is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity.

Diethylpropion (generic Tenuate)

Uses
This medicine is an appetite suppressant used along with diet, exercise, and behavior therapy for the short-term management of obesity.

How To Take This Medication
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine about 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals. Take your last dose of the day at least 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.

Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include restlessness, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, or dry mouth. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Precautions
Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may cause serious side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.

For women: this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include restlessness, tremor, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Drug Interactions
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not use this medicine if you are also taking guanadrel, guanethidine, furazolidone, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, atherosclerosis, or brain or spinal cord disorders. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Notes
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is after 4 pm, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.