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,tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tenuate; amphetamines; other diet pills; medications for allergies, hay fever, and colds; or any other drugs.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially guanethidine, insulin, and MAO inhibitors.

• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, glaucoma, pulmonary hypertension, seizures, or a history of drug abuse.

• 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.

• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking tenuate.

• 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.

• Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

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:

• dry mouth

• unpleasant taste

• restlessness

• anxiety

• dizziness

• depression

• tremors

• upset stomach

• vomiting

• increased urination

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.