Tenuate Side Effects

Generic name: diethylpropion

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

Note: This document provides detailed information about Tenuate.

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.

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) 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

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:

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

Symptoms of overdose

• abdominal or stomach cramps
• bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)
• change in consciousness
• confusion
• diarrhea
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• loss of consciousness
• nausea
• overactive reflexes
• panic
• physical attempt to injure
• restlessness
• sweating
• violent actions
• vomiting

Other side effects of Tenuate

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:

For healthcare professionals

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

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Valvulopathy
• Frequency not reported: Precordial pain, arrhythmia (including ventricular), ECG changes, tachycardia, blood pressure elevation, palpitation, valvular heart disease^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pulmonary hypertension
• Frequency not reported: Dyspnea^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Psychotic episodes
• Frequency not reported: Insomnia, anxiety, euphoria, depression, dysphoria, tremor^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Convulsive episodes, dyskinesia, overstimulation, nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, jitteriness, somnolence, headache, cerebrovascular accident^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, rash, ecchymosis, erythema, hair loss, increased sweating^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Impotence, libido changes, gynecomastia, menstrual upset^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, nausea, constipation, other GI disturbances^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Dysuria, polyuria^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Bone marrow depression, agranulocytosis, leukopenia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Muscle pain^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, mydriasis^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Malaise^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Tenuate 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.

Medical Disclaimer