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Tenuate Dospan Side Effects

Generic name: diethylpropion

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 10, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Tenuate Dospan.

Applies to diethylpropion: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release Side Effects associated with diethylpropion. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Tenuate Dospan.

Applies to diethylpropion: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and does not cause any unwanted effects.

Do not use diethylpropion (the active ingredient contained in Tenuate Dospan) if you are also using similar medicines such as benzphetamine, mazindol, phendimetrazine, phentermine, Bontril®, Didrex®, or Suprenza™. Also, do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Using these medicines together may cause serious unwanted effects.

This medicine may be habit-forming. If you think this medicine is not working properly after you have taken it for 4 weeks, do not increase the dose. Instead, check with your doctor.

Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you notice a decrease in your ability to exercise, if you faint, or if you have chest pain, swelling of your feet or lower legs, or trouble with breathing. These may be symptoms of a very serious heart or lung problem.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; medicine for seizures (such as barbiturates); muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the above while you are taking this medicine.

For diabetic patients: This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests or if you have any questions, check with your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, dietary supplements, herbal remedies, or medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, and sinus problems.

Serious side effects of Tenuate Dospan

Along with its needed effects, diethylpropion may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking diethylpropion:

Rare side effects

  • seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
  • severe mental changes
  • shortness of breath

Incidence not known

  • black, tarry stools
  • blurred vision
  • burning while urinating
  • chest pain
  • chills
  • convulsions
  • cough or hoarseness
  • decreased ability to exercise
  • depression
  • difficult or labored breathing
  • difficult or painful urination
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • false or unusual sense of well-being
  • fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • fear or nervousness
  • fever with or without chills
  • frequent urination
  • general feeling of tiredness or weakness
  • headache
  • inability to speak
  • increased volume of pale, dilute urine
  • lower back or side pain
  • nosebleeds
  • numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs
  • restlessness
  • severe or sudden headache
  • shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
  • slurred speech
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • swelling of the feet or lower legs
  • swollen glands
  • temporary blindness
  • tightness in the chest
  • trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
  • trouble with breathing
  • twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vision problems
  • weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe
  • wheezing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking diethylpropion:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Tenuate Dospan

Some side effects of diethylpropion may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

  • abdominal or stomach discomfort
  • bruising
  • difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • hair loss
  • headache
  • hives or welts
  • indigestion
  • itching
  • large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
  • loss of appetite
  • muscle pain
  • passing of gas
  • redness of the skin
  • skin rash
  • sleeplessness
  • stomach fullness or discomfort
  • trouble sleeping
  • unable to sleep
  • unpleasant taste

For healthcare professionals

Applies to diethylpropion: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Cardiovascular adverse events

Respiratory

Psychiatric

Nervous system

Dermatologic

Endocrine

Gastrointestinal

Genitourinary

Hematologic

Musculoskeletal

Ocular

Other

See also:

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals

Further information

Tenuate Dospan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.