While it may not be as popular as other diet pills, the Tenuate diet pill can be an effective drug for treating obesity, and, with more than 50% of the American population struggling with being overweight or obese, and the several associated health risks, medical intervention is often mandated. Find out here how this drug functions, its side effects, and whether or not it may be an option for you or someone you know.
What is Tenuate?
Tenuate, also known chemically as diethylpropion, is classified as an anorectic or anorexigenic drug. These terms refer to a drug's ability to suppress the appetite. It does this by affecting the central nervous system, including the nerves and the brain, to interrupt the signaling process of different hormones and chemical compounds. The Tenuate diet pill is only available by prescription and must be monitored by a medical professional due to its amphetamine-like properties and consequences.
Who Should Take Tenuate?
In order for Tenuate to be prescribed, a person must receive the diagnosis of obesity. Obesity is defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. (You can find out more about BMI by reading this article). Also, if a person is obese and has one of the following health conditions, then he or she may be a good candidate for using Tenuate as part of a weight loss plan:
- hypertension
- heart disease
- history of stroke
- certain cancers, particularly breast cancer
- hypercholesteremia (high LDL blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels)
Also, due to the inherent need to moderate dietary intake and increase physical activity level as much as can be tolerated given the person's condition, only the most highly-motivated and determined individuals will benefit from the assistance of Tenuate.
Directions for Use
The receive full benefit from the Tenuate diet pill, you must follow the directions carefully. In addition, patients using Tenuate need to be monitored closely due to the possibility of serious side effects. This is even more critical in the case of overdose. There are two types of tablets for the Tenuate drug: immediate release tabs and controlled release tabs.
Immediate Release: take 25 milligrams (1 pill) one hour before a meal, three times a day. A mid-evening tablet can be taken as well to avoid nighttime hunger.
Controlled Release: take 75 milligrams (1 pill) one time each day, preferably mid-morning.
Both the immediate release and controlled release pills must be taken with a large glass of water for optimal absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The pill should not be crushed, halved, or otherwise broken. If a dose is missed, it is recommended that the missed dose be taken at that time of remembrance, unless it is very close to the next dosage time. If the latter is the case, then the missed dose should not be taken at all and the regularly scheduled dose should be taken at its normal time. To ensure adequate sleep, a missed dose should not be taken close to bedtime, as Tenuate can cause insomnia for some people.
Side Effects of the Tenuate Diet Pill
There are several side effects of taking the Tenuate diet pill, some of which are extremely serious. The following list includes all of the known side effects reported by users:
- dizziness
- anxiety
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
- constipation
- nausea
- vomiting
- increased heart rate
- change in libido
- blurred vision
- restlessness
- insomnia
Contraindications for Use
Tenuate should not be taken if any of the following conditions exist unless thoroughly discussed with a physician and intense monitoring ensues:
- thyroid problems
- anxiety
- epilepsy or other seizure disorders
- diabetics (without the consulting with medical doctor about changes in insulin drug therapy)
- chronic heart disease
- high blood pressure
- arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- glaucoma
- anyone taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in last 14 days
- children under 12 years of age
- history of drug or alcohol abuse
- nursing mothers
Safety in Pregnancy
Incidentally, Tenuate is categorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a category B drug. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, pregnant women, even overweight women, are advised not to lose weight during pregnancy. For this reason, it is critical to speak with the attending obstetrician before considering Tenuate as a dietary aid. Also, since Tenuate is habit-forming, the dosage should not be increased in patients who have developed a tolerance to the pills (this is evidenced by lack of weight loss at some point during drug treatment). Instead, the pills should be discontinued.
Overdose
Signs of an overdose include hallucinations, tremors, rapid breathing, panic, irregular heartbeat, aggressiveness, confusion, and seizures. If you or someone you know who is taking Tenuate experiences any of these events, emergency medical intervention is warranted.
Results and Cost
A person taking Tenuate as prescribed, along with following an appropriate diet and exercise regimen, can expect to lose one to two pounds per week. An average monthly weight loss amount will be four pounds at minimum. Like most prescribed drugs, tenuate cost can vary. However, an average cost of $100-$125 for 90 pills of the controlled release tablets is customary. Many insurance companies cover the price of the medication if the obesity diagnosis has been applied to the person's medical chart.
