Obesity has been steadily rising in the United States with approximately 30 percent of adults fitting the definition of obese---a body mass index of 30 or greater, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Body mass index or BMI is a measure of an individual's body fat based upon their weight to height ratio. Lifestyle changes, such as increased activity and eating a healthy diet, are key to losing weight, but certain stimulant and appetite suppressant medications like Tenuate can aid in this process.
Indications
Tenuate is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of obesity in individuals that have been unable to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. It is prescribed and designed to be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet, exercise and lifestyle behavior change to aid individuals in the weight loss process, according to drugs.com.
Mechanism of Action
Diethylpropion, the active ingredient in Tenuate, is a sympathomimetic amine and is classified as an anorexigenic drug---a drug that decreases appetite. Similar in action to amphetamines, Tenuate stimulates the central nervous system to increase heart rate and blood pressure and decrease appetite. It works by stimulating the brain to release high levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, according to Flexyx.com. These neurotransmitters have many functions, one of which is to suppress hunger and appetite signals in the brain. They may also affect chemicals in the brain that control energy expenditure and fat storage.
Dosage and Administration
Tenuate is available in both immediate and sustained-release tablets. Immediate release tablets are taken three times per day an hour before meals, with the possibility of an evening dose to curb late night hunger, according to drugs.com. Sustained-release tablets are taken once per day in the morning. For the full effect, the sustained-release tablets must be taken whole and not crushed, chewed or broken open for. Tenuate is habit forming, not intended for long-term use and is generally prescribed for a few weeks at a time.
Side Effects
Side effects can occur while taking Tenuate. Common and less serious side effects include restlessness and tremors, nervousness and anxiety; insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea and constipation; headache and decreased sex drive. Call a doctor immediately if there are signs of an allergic reaction to the drug, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat. Serious side effects of Tenuate include an irregular heartbeat, very high blood pressure, hallucinations and confusion.
Considerations
For the best weight loss results, Tenuate is recommended to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise. Miracle or starvation diets may result in significant weight loss in a short amount of time, but the weight loss is almost never maintained. Successful weight loss and weight maintenance is a lifelong process. The Mayo Clinic considers a weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week to be the healthiest and most effective way to lose weight. Tenuate should be considered an aid, not a cure, to achieve weight loss goals.
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