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Diethylpropion

Pronounced

"DYE-eth-il-PRO-pee-on"

Common brand names:

Tenuate

Uses

Diethylpropion is used along with a doctor-approved, reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavior change program to help you lose weight. It is used in people who are significantly overweight (obese) and have not been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone. Losing weight and keeping it off can reduce the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life.

It is not known how this medication helps people to lose weight. It may work by decreasing your appetite, increasing the amount of energy used by your body, or by affecting certain parts of the brain. This medication is an appetite suppressant and belongs to a class of drugs called sympathomimetic amines.

How to Use This Medication

Take the immediate-release form of this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day (1 hour before meals). If late-night eating is a problem, your doctor may direct you to take another dose in the evening. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia).

The extended-release form of diethylpropion is usually taken once a day in the mid-morning. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Swallow the tablets whole.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will adjust the dose to find the best dose for you. Use this medication regularly and exactly as prescribed in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Diethylpropion is usually taken for only a few weeks at a time. It should not be taken with other appetite suppressants (see also Drug Interaction section). The possibility of serious side effects increases with longer use of this medication and use of this drug along with certain other diet drugs.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, severe tiredness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used diethylpropion for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

You should see some weight loss soon after you start this medication. Tell your doctor if you do not see at least 4 pounds of weight loss within 4 weeks of starting this medication. This medication may stop working well after you have been taking it for a while. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. Do not increase the dose unless directed by your doctor. Your doctor may direct you to stop taking this medication.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.