Tenuate, the brand name of an appetite suppressant, treats obesity during the initial phase of weight loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, this type of medication helps patients change their eating habits and should only be used in the short term. Drugs.com, a drug information website that provides peer-reviewed information to consumers, states Tenuate decreases appetite and is classified as an anorexiant and central nervous system stimulant.
Important Information
Tenuate can cause unusual feelings of tiredness. Drugs.com warns against driving, operating heavy equipment or performing other dangerous activities until patients know how this medication will affect them. Use of this medication can result in dependence. Withdrawal side effects could occur if it is abruptly discontinued. Notify a health care provider before stopping this medication. Patients with the following conditions cannot take Tenuate: heart disease, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, glaucoma, or a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Certain types of antidepressants known as MAOI or monoamine oxidase inhibitors cannot be taken within 14 days of starting Tenuate.
Proper Use
Drugs.com instructs patients to take Tenuate one hour before eating, with a full glass of water and on an empty stomach. The extended release form of this medication cannot be crushed, chewed or altered in any way. Store this medication at room temperate in a dry area. Take a missed dose as soon as possible but do not take two doses of Tenuate at the same time. Taking this medication late in the day can result in an inability to fall asleep.
Dosing
The Mayo Clinic states the dosing for diethylpropion or Tenuate varies among patients. Typical dosing for adults consists of a 25mg tablet of Tenuate three times daily. The extended release dose for adults begins with 75mg once a day. Use of this medication for children ages 16 and younger is not recommended.
Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, use of Tenuate can result in the following side effects: chest pain, fainting, swelling of lower extremities, difficulty breathing, increase in blood pressure, difficulty urinating, irregular heart rate, hallucinations, paranoia, headache and depression. Drugs.com states side effects include restlessness, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea or constipation and changes in libido.
Availability
A health care provider must prescribe Tenuate, according to the Mayo Clinic. This medication comes in the following forms: tablet, extended release tablet, capsule, extended release capsule and chewable tablets. The generic form of this medication as called diethylpropion. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the use of Tenuate for treatment of obesity.
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