USES
Diethylpropion, an appetite
suppressant, is prescribed for short-term use (a few weeks)
as part of an overall diet plan for weight reduction. There
are two forms of Diethylpropion when you order:
immediate-release tablets (Tenuate) and controlled-release
tablets (Tenuate Dospan). Tenuate should be used with a
behavior modification program.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION
Diethylpropion is to be
taken once daily, swallowed whole, in midmorning. Do not
increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed
because this drug can be habit forming. Also, if used for a
longer period of time, do not suddenly stop this medication
without first consulting your doctor before you order.
Diethylpropion is usually taken for 8 to 12 weeks.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects of
Diethylpropion 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 Diethylpropion. Side effects may include:
abdominal discomfort, abnormal redness of the skin, anxiety,
blood pressure elevation, blurred vision, breast development
in males, bruising, changes in sex drive, chest pain,
constipation, depression, diarrhea, difficulty with
voluntary movements, dizziness, drowsiness, dryness of the
mouth, feelings of discomfort, feelings of elation, feeling
of illness, hair loss, headache, hives, impotence, inability
to fall or stay asleep, increased heart rate, increased
seizures in epileptics, increased sweating, increased volume
of diluted urine, irregular heartbeat, jitteriness,
menstrual upset, muscle pain, nausea, nervousness, over
stimulation, painful urination, palpitations, pupil
dilation, rash, restlessness, shortness of breath or labored
breathing, stomach and intestinal disturbances, tremors,
unpleasant taste, vomiting.
PRECAUTIONS
Diethylpropion will lose its effectiveness within a few
weeks. When this begins to happen, you should discontinue
the medicine rather than buy an increased dosage.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tenuate or Diethylpropion
may interact with alcohol unfavorably. Do not drink alcohol
while taking Diethylpropion. If Tenuate or Tenuate Dospan
are taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important that you consult your doctor before you order and
combine Diethylpropion with the following: blood pressure
medications such as Ismelin, Insulin and Phenothiazine drugs
such as the major tranquilizer Thorazine.
NOTES
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic
reaction to Tenuate / Diethylpropion or other appetite
suppressants, you should not take this medication. Make sure
your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have
experienced before you buy Diethylpropion.
Do not take this drug if you have severe hardening of the
arteries, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, or severe high
blood pressure, or if you are agitated, have a history of
drug abuse or are taking an MAO inhibitor (antidepressant
drug such as Nardil) or have taken one within the last 14
days.
Tenuate or Diethylpropion may impair your ability to engage
in potentially hazardous activities. Therefore, make sure
you know how you react to this medication before you drive,
operate dangerous machinery, or do anything else that
requires alertness or concentration.
If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, use
caution when taking this medication.
This drug may increase convulsions in some epileptics. Your
doctor should monitor you carefully if you have epilepsy.
Psychological dependence has occurred while taking
Diethylpropion. Talk with your doctor if you find you are
relying on Tenuate / Diethylpropion to maintain a state of
well-being before you order again. The abrupt withdrawal of
this medication following prolonged use at high doses may
result in extreme fatigue, mental depression, and sleep
disturbances.
Any medication taken in excess can have serious
consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency
medical treatment immediately.
Symptoms of Tenuate / Diethylpropion overdose may include:
abdominal cramps, assaultiveness, confusion, depression,
diarrhea, elevated blood pressure, fatigue, hallucinations,
irregular heartbeat, lowered blood pressure, nausea,
overreactive reflexes, panic state, rapid breathing,
restlessness, tremors, vomiting.
MISSED DOSE
If you are taking the
immediate-release form of Tenuate, go back to your regular
schedule at the next meal. If you are taking Diethylpropion,
take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you do not
remember until the next day, skip the dose. NEVER TAKE TWO
DOSES AT ONCE.
STORAGE
Store Diethylpropion at room temperature in a tightly closed
container. Protect from excessive heat
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