This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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diethylpropion Consumer Information
DIETHYLPROPION
Generic Name: diethylpropion (dye eth ill PROE pee on)
Brand Names: Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan
What is the most important information I should know about diethylpropion?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diethylpropion may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.
- Diethylpropion is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication gradually.
- Do not crush, chew, or open any "once-daily" diethylpropion tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.
What is diethylpropion?
- Diethylpropion is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine. It is also known as an "anorectic" or an "anorexigenic" drug. Diethylpropion stimulates the central nervous system (nerves and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure and decreases your appetite.
- Diethylpropion is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity.
- Diethylpropion may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take diethylpropion?
- You cannot take diethylpropion if you
- have heart disease or high blood pressure;
- have arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);
- have glaucoma;
- have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days; or
- have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- problems with your thyroid,
- an anxiety disorder,
- epilepsy or another seizure disorder, or
- diabetes.
- You may not be able to take diethylpropion, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Diethylpropion is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take diethylpropion without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Diethylpropion passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take diethylpropion without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take diethylpropion?
- Take diethylpropion exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take diethylpropion on an empty stomach 1 hour before meals. An evening dose may be taken to overcome nighttime hunger.
- Diethylpropion is usually taken three times a day (regular-release formula). Follow your doctor's instructions.
- The sustained-release formulation is usually taken once a day in the midmorning.
- Do not crush, chew or open any "once-daily" (long-acting or sustained-release) diethylpropion tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.
- Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much diethylpropion could be very dangerous to your health.
- Store diethylpropion at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose or if it is already evening, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. A dose taken too late in the day will cause insomnia. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a diethylpropion overdose include restlessness, tremor, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
What should I avoid while taking diethylpropion?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diethylpropion may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.