Diethylpropion is a medication primarily used to promote weight loss in individuals with obesity. It is intended for short-term use and is prescribed when other weight loss therapies have proven ineffective or cannot be tolerated. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of diethylpropion, including its uses, mechanism of action, potential side effects, and important precautions.
What is Diethylpropion?
Diethylpropion, also known by brand names such as Tenuate and Tepanil, is a medication that promotes weight loss by decreasing appetite. It is available in both regular and extended-release tablets. Diethylpropion is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence, so it's crucial to use it only as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
How Does Diethylpropion Work?
Diethylpropion is thought to help people lose weight by reducing appetite, which may help you want to eat less food.
Uses of Diethylpropion
The primary use of diethylpropion is for short-term weight loss in individuals struggling with obesity. It is typically prescribed in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and lifestyle changes. Diethylpropion may be considered when other weight loss strategies have not been successful or are not appropriate for the individual.
Dosage and Administration
Diethylpropion is available in two forms:
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Regular Tablets: These are usually taken three times a day, one hour before meals. If a meal is missed, the dose should be skipped. An additional tablet may be taken in the mid-evening if needed for nighttime hunger.
Extended-Release Tablets: These are taken once daily, in mid-morning. Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or cut.
It is crucial to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and to ask a doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that is not understood. Diethylpropion should be taken exactly as directed.
Important Considerations Before Taking Diethylpropion
Before starting diethylpropion, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking. This includes prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products.
Specifically, you should tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
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- Heart or blood vessel disease
- High blood pressure
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Seizures
- A history of drug abuse
Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Potential Drug Interactions
Diethylpropion can interact with several medications, potentially leading to adverse effects. It is crucial to avoid taking diethylpropion with the following:
- Fluoxetine
- MAOIs (such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate)
- Medications for colds or breathing difficulties (like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine)
- Other medications or herbal products for weight loss or to decrease appetite
- Procarbazine
- Sibutramine
- Stimulants (like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, or modafinil)
Diethylpropion may also interact with general anesthetics, insulin and other medications for diabetes, and medications for high blood pressure.
Side Effects
Like all medications, diethylpropion can cause side effects. Common side effects include:
- Feeling of skipped heartbeats
- Fast heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Feeling restless
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
Serious side effects are less common but require immediate medical attention. These include:
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- Pulmonary hypertension (shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, swelling in the legs)
- Heart valve problems (unusual shortness of breath, feeling of skipped heartbeats, chest pain, swelling in the legs, fainting or feeling dizzy)
- Severe allergic reactions (breathing problems, racing heart, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing, itching, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach cramps, joint pain)
- Mood and behavior changes (anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression)
Precautions
- Regular Check-ups: It is important to visit your healthcare team for regular checks on your progress.
- Dizziness: Diethylpropion may cause dizziness. Avoid driving, using machinery, or doing anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
- Alcohol: Avoid alcoholic drinks, as alcohol may increase dizziness.
- Habit-Forming: This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone.
- Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart Problems: Diethylpropion may cause pulmonary hypertension (increased blood pressure in the lungs). Serious heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., valvular heart disease) may also occur.
- Seizures: This medicine may increase the risk of seizures.
- CNS Depressants: Diethylpropion will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert).
Storage and Disposal
Diethylpropion should be stored at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F), protected from heat, and in a tightly closed container. It is essential to keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of properly. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a medication take-back program. If a take-back program is not available, consult the label or package insert for instructions on how to dispose of the medication in the garbage or by flushing it down the toilet.
Specific Warnings and Contraindications
Diethylpropion is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used by individuals with:
- Allergies to diethylpropion or any of its ingredients
- Severely hardened arteries (arteriosclerosis)
- Moderate to severe high blood pressure
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Agitation
- A history of substance use disorder
- Glaucoma
Additional Considerations for Diabetics
Diethylpropion may affect blood sugar levels in 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.