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Diethylpropion
Brand Name: Tenuate
Why is this medication 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 this medicine 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;
mphetamines; 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 this medication 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:
- dry mouth
- unpleasant taste
- restlessness
- anxiety
- dizziness
- depression
- tremors
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- increased urination
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- heart palpitations
- blurred vision
- skin rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- fainting
- swelling of the ankles or feet
- fever
- sore throat
- chills
- painful urination
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and
away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw
away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk
to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at
1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing,
call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should you know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may order
certain tests to check your response to diethylpropion.
Diethylpropion may affect blood sugar levels of diabetic patients
and may cover up some signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low
blood sugar). If you notice a change in the results of your urine
or blood sugar tests, check with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist
any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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