Tenuate Information

What is it?

Tenuate is a weight loss medication that acts as an appetite suppressant. It is used in conjunction with an overall diet plan to reduce weight.

What is the difference between Tenuate and Tenuate Dospan?

In Dospan tablets, diethylpropion hydrochloride is dispersed in a hydrophilic matrix. On exposure to water, the diethylpropion hydrochloride is released at a relatively uniform rate as a result of slow hydration of the matrix. The result is controlled release of the anorectic agent.

It is a tablet that is used in the short-term management of obesity. It comes in 25-milligram tablet form that is embossed with “TENUATE 25” or “MERRELL 697”. TENUATE DOSPAN is a controlled release 75-milligram tablet that is embossed with the names “TENUATE 75” or “MERRELL 698”.

How should it be taken?

Tenuate is best taken on an empty stomach one hour before meals. 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. Because this medication may cause sleeplessness, avoid taking the diet medication late in the day. Tenuate should only be taken as prescribed by a licensed physician.

How Effective is it?

Tenuate is effective therapy for the obese patient who needs to lose weight to decrease diseases associated with obesity. The magnitude of the weight loss will depend on the degree of concomitant caloric restriction and the use of a graded exercise program.

How many weeks should I stay on the weight loss medication?

Tenuate is usually taken for 8 to 12 weeks. Use in combination with other appetite suppressant medicine is generally not recommended. Consult your physician prior to combining Tenuate with other weight loss medications.

What are some of the side effects associated with it?

Individuals may experience some of the following side effects while taking Tenuate :

· Blurred Vision
· Sleeplessness
· Dizziness
· Dry mouth
· Irritability
· Sense of well-being
· Increased blood pressure

You should notify your physician if you have any of the following side effects secondary to taking Tenuate or any other complications:

· Chest pain
· Pounding Chest
· Nervousness
· Difficulty urinating
· Breathing complication
· Swelling

Is there anything that I should tell the physician prior to taking it?

Tell the physician your complete medical history especially if you have a history of high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, an overactive thyroid or psychological issues.

Are there any medications that should not be combined with Tenuate?

· You cannot take diethylpropion if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days.
· Changes in insulin and other diabetes medication therapies may be necessary during treatment with diethylpropion
· Diethylpropion may reduce the effects of guanethidine (Ismelin). This could lead to an increase in blood pressure. Tell the physician if you are taking guanethidine.
· Before taking this medication, tell the physician if you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), or desipramine (Norpramin). These drugs may decrease the effects of diethylpropion.
· Medications other than those listed here may also interact with diethylpropion. Talk to the doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

May I drink alcohol while taking it?

Alcohol can increase unwanted side effects of dizziness. Individual should refrain or limit the use of alcohol while taking the diet medication.

Can Children take Tenuate?

This drug is not recommended for use in children.

If I am pregnant, trying to conceive or breast-feeding may I take it?

Do not take Tenuate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether Tenuate passes into breast milk. Do not take Tenuate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Can I drive or operate heavy machinery while taking it?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tenuate may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.

How should the medication be stored?

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.