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. Tenuate will lose its effectiveness within a few weeks. When this begins to happen, you should discontinue the medicine rather than increase the dosage. 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.

Trade/Brand names?
Diethylpropions trade/brand names includes Tenuate and Tenuate Dospan.

Why is Diethylpropions/Tenuate prescribed?
Diethylpropion decreases appetite. It is used on a short-term basis (a few weeks), in combination with diet, to help you lose weight.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Diethylpropions/Tenuate be used?
Diethylpropion comes as a regular and extended-release (long-acting) tablet. Diethylpropion usually is taken three times a day, 1 hour before meals (regular tablets), or once a day in midmorning (extended-release tablets). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take diethylpropion exactly as directed.

Do not crush, chew, or cut extended-release tablets; swallow them whole.

Diethylpropion may be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. Call your doctor if diethylpropion loses its effect.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking diethylpropion,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diethylpropion; amphetamines; other diet pills; medications for allergies, hay fever, and colds; or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially guanethidine, insulin, and MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] even if you stopped taking them in the last 2 weeks, herbal products, and vitamins. Tell your doctor if you have taken other diet pills in the past year.
• tell your doctor if you have or have 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.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking diethylpropion, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking diethylpropion.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Follow your doctor's directions. Eat a low-calorie, well-balanced diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Diethylpropions/Tenuate cause?
Although side effects from diethylpropion are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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