Tenuate Appetite Suppressant: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, and More

Published on December 12, 2024
Tenuate Appetite Suppressant: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, and More

Ever tried switching up your lifestyle but those stubborn pounds just won’t budge? **Tenuate** might just be your secret weapon. It’s often the go-to choice for docs aiming to dodge big baddies like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart issues. Take a peek into how Tenuate can become your partner in crime for shedding weight and warding off health risks. Truly a lifesaver for anyone yearning for that nudge towards a fitter existence. Hang tight, as you’re about to discover why Tenuate stands out as the comrade you’ve been seeking on your fitness voyage.

It is believed that Tenuate (diethylpropion) works in three possible ways: (1)

  • Appetite suppression
  • Decreased neuronal activities in brain areas involved in feeding behaviour and reward processing
  • Increased metabolism and energy used by the body

Similar to most appetite suppressants, Tenuate also belongs to a group of drugs known as sympathomimetic amines. (1)

How to Use Tenuate Tablet

The immediate release form of this drug should be taken orally. You can take as much as 3 tablets daily, depending on your doctor’s order. Tenuate is best taken before meals. If you are having problems controlling your appetite late at night, your doctor may ask you to take one dose in the evening. However, expect to have trouble sleeping.

The extended release form, on the other hand, is taken once a day only, mid-morning. Do not crush or chew extended release tablets. Doing so will release a large amount of the medicine all at once and may cause side effects. Never split the tablets as well unless you are instructed to do so.

Your dose may be adjusted depending on your condition and response to treatment. Use Tenuate regularly, exactly as prescribed to enjoy its benefits. To make easier to remember, take it at the same time daily.

Similar to other appetite suppressant drugs, Tenuate is usually taken for only a few weeks at a time. There will be increased risks of serios side effects with prolonged use and if combined with other weight loss medications.

If you stop taking it abruptly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue and depression. You must lower your dose slowly with the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Though Tenuate really helps people lose weight, it may sometimes cause addiction, especially among alcoholics and drug users.

Never increase your dose or the amount of tablets you take each day without consulting your doctor.

You may expect to see some results soon after you start treatment. Inform our doctor if you do not see at least 4 pounds of weight loss within a month.

Precautions

Before starting your weight loss program with Tenuate, tell your doctor if you have any known allergies. It is very important to note allergies to specific medications, including other appetite suppressants, sympathomimetic amines, and stimulants.

It is likewise important to discuss your past medical and family history, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Glaucoma
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart valve problems
  • Heart attack
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Kidney problems
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Pyschosis
  • Seizure
  • Stroke
  • Substance use disorder

With Tenuate, you may experience dizziness, decreased alertness, and blurred vision. These side effects are amplified by alcohol and cannabis.

Never drive or operate any machine when on this medication for safety purposes. Talk to your doctor immediately.

Are you a diabetic? You may be asked to check your blood glucose level regularly. If needed, your doctor may adjust your diabetes drugs while on Tenuate.

If you are scheduled for any type of surgery, tell your dentist or doctor about all the products you are using, whether they are prescribed, bought over the counter, or natural or herbal products.

Seniors normally have declined kidney function. And because Tenuate is cleared by the kidneys, expect that the elderly will be at a greater risk for high blood pressure and dizziness while on this medication.

Pregnant women are not advised to take Tenuate unless there are no other options available. There’s a possible harm to the unborn baby when used in high doses, especially for a long period of time or when near the expected delivery date. This drug may also pass into breast milk. (1)

Infants may suffer from withdrawal symptoms including irritability and extreme tiredness.

Discuss and plan this with your doctor carefully. The benefits of taking this medication should always outweigh the risks for you and your baby.

Drug Interactions

Different appetite suppressants including Tenuate may react with other drugs. While it’s quite impossible to list all possible interactions, the following are worth noting: (1)

  • Appetite suppressants like ephedra or ma huang and phentermine
  • MOA inhibitors, including isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, metaxalone moclobemide, procarbazine, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, safinamide, tranylcypromine, etc. Combining MAO inhibitors and Tenuate may cause fatal reactions. Also, MAO inhibitors should not be taken at least 2 weeks before treatment with Tenuate.
  • Cough relievers like codeine and hydrocodone
  • Muscle relaxants, including carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine
  • Sleep or anxiety medications such as alprazolam, lorazepam, and zolpidem
  • Antihistamines
  • Guanethidine
  • Methyldopa
  • Prochlorperazine
  • Chlorpromazine
  • Amphetamines
  • Methylphenidate
  • Alcohol
  • Cocaine
  • Cannabis
  • MMDA or Ecstasy

Your doctor may already be aware of any possible interactions based on your medical history. Just be sure to tell him all the products you use, including vitamins and other supplements.

Some of the ingredients of the above-mentioned drugs may increase your blood pressure or heart rate.

Do not start, stop, or change your medication without discussing with your physician first.

Caffeinated foods and drinks like chocolates, coffee, colas, and teas may also increase the side effects of Tenuate.

Overdose

In case you experience serious symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, or restlessness, call 911 or your local poison control center immediately.

Missed Dose

Should you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is already near your next dose or late at night, forget about the missed dose. Take the next one as scheduled. Never double dose to catch up.

Storage

Keep Tenuate tablets dry at room temperature and away from direct light. Make sure they are far from reach for kids and pets.

Dispose unused tablets properly. Never drain them in the toilet or sink. Ask your doctor or local waste disposal company for more information.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Appetite suppressants like Tenuate should never be used in place of proper diet and exercise. For best results, they should be used altogether, facilitated by a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Tenuate better than phentermine?

Evidence showed that there was a significantly greater weight loss among patients treated with phentermine. There were significant reductions in blood pressure in the phentermine group and of heart rate in the diethylpropion group (2).

2. Is Tenuate a controlled substance?

As per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Tenuate falls under schedule IV controlled substances. (3) They are similar to amphetamines and other stimulants chemically, and have high potential for drug abuse.

3. How does Tenuate tablets make you feel?

When taking Tenuate, you may experience fast heartbeats, lightheadedness, extreme feelings of happiness or sadness, fluttering in your chest, etc.

4. Can you take Tenuate on an empty stomach?

Always follow the directions on the label. Tenuate is best taken an hour before meals.

5. How long does it take for Tenuate to get out of your body?

It has been reported that 75% and more of the dose can be recovered in the urine within 48 hours. The estimated half-life of the aminoketone metabolites is between 4-6 hours. (4)

References:

  1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7934/tenuate-oral/details
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6844367/
  3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2004/11722s029,12546s032lbl.pdf
  4. https://www.rxlist.com/tenuate-drug.htm#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20reported%20that,between%204%20to%206%20hours.