 Tenuate decreases appetite. It is used on a short-term basis (a few weeks), in combination with diet, to help you lose weight. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Tenuate comes as a regular and extended-release (long-acting) tablet. Tenuate usually is taken three times a day, 1 hour before meals (regular tablets), or once a day in midmorning (extended-release tablets). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tenuate exactly as directed. Do not crush, chew, or cut extended-release tablets; swallow them whole. Tenuate may be habit-forming. Call your doctor if tenuate loses its effect. Special precautions
Before taking tenuate,
- Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
- You should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking tenuate.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tenuate, call your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or blood vessel disease, seizures, pulmonary hypertension, glaucoma, diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland, high blood pressure, or a history of drug abuse.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, insulin, especially guanethidine, and MAO inhibitors.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tenuate; medications for allergies, hay fever, and colds; other diet pills; amphetamines; or any other drugs.
Side effects
Although side effects from tenuate are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- increased urination
- vomiting
- upset stomach
- tremors
- depression
- dizziness
- anxiety
- restlessness
- unpleasant taste
- dry mouth
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- painful urination
- chills
- sore throat
- fever
- swelling of the ankles or feet
- fainting
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- itching
- skin rash
- blurred vision
- heart palpitations
- fast or irregular heartbeat
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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