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Precautions while Using this Medicine
If you have been taking this medicine for a long time or in large doses and you think you may have become mentally or physically dependent on it, check with your doctor.
- Some signs of depe
ndence on appetite suppressants are:
- a strong desire or need to continue taking the medicine.
- a need to increase the dose to receive the effects of the medicine.
- withdrawal side e
ffects (for example, mental depression, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps or pain, trembling, unusual tiredness or weakness) when you stop taking the medicine
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Before Taking This Medicine
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. <
br> - tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially guanethidine, insulin, and MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Pa
rnate)] even if you stopped taking them in the last 2 weeks, herbal products, and vitamins.
- 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.
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How to Use
Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Tenuate may be habit-forming and can be addicting.
If you are taking Tenuate Dospan (the controlled release formulation), do not crush or chew the
tablets. Swallow the medication whole.
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Why is this medication prescribed?
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.
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Significant Interactions:
Tenuate or Tenuate Dospan may interact with alcohol unfavorably. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
If Tenuate or Tenuate Dospan is taken with certain other drugs, the effect
s of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important that you consult your doctor before combining Tenuate with the following:
- Blood pressure medications such
as Ismelin
- Insulin
- Phenothiazine drugs such as the major tranquilizer Thorazine
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What side effects can this medication cause?
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
- restless
ness
- anxiety
- dizziness
- depression
- tremors
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- increased urination
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call yo
ur doctor immediately:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- heart palpitations
- blurred vision
- skin rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- fain
ting
- swelling of the ankles or feet
- fever
- sore throat
- chills
- painful urination
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