Tenuate
USES
Tenuate diet pills, an appetite suppressant, is prescribed for short-term use (a
few weeks) as part of an overall diet plan for weight reduction. It is
available in two forms: immediate-release tablets (Tenuate) and
controlled-release tablets (Tenuate Dospan). Tenuate should be used
with a behavior modification program.
HOW TO TAKE TENUATE
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by the Doctor. Tenuate
weight loss pills may
be habit-forming and can be addicting. If you are taking Tenuate Dospan
(the controlled release formulation), do not crush or chew the tablets.
Swallow the medication whole.
ADULTS
Tenuate Immediate-Release
The usual dosage is one 25-milligram tablet taken 3 times a day, 1 hour
before meals; you may take 1 tablet in the middle of the evening, if
you want, to overcome night hunger. Tenuate Dospan Controlled-Release
The usual dosage is one 75-milligram tablet taken once daily, swallowed
whole, in midmorning.
CHILDREN
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children below 12
years of age.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects 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 Tenuate. 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
Tenuate will lose its effectiveness within a few weeks. When this
begins to happen, you should discontinue the medicine rather than
increase the dosage.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tenuate or Tenuate Dospan may interact with alcohol unfavorably. Do not
drink alcohol while taking this medication. If Tenuate or Tenuate Dospan is 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 combining Tenuate with the following:
Blood pressure medications such as Ismelin Insulin Phenothiazine drugs
such as the major tranquilizer Thorazine.
NOTES
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to
Tenuate or other appetite suppressants, you should not take this
medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you
have experienced.
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 Tenuate Dospan 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 this drug. Talk with
your doctor if you find you are relying on this drug to maintain a
state of well-being.
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 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 Tenuate
Dospan, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you do not
remember until the next day, skip the dose. Never take 2 doses at once.
STORAGE
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from
excessive heat.
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