Are you someone who struggles to lose weight? Sometimes, no matter how much we control our diet and exercise, losing weight is not easy. In such cases, a doctor can prescribe a special medicine to help you, to be used for a short period of time. One such medicine is Diethylpropion. But this is not a medicine that can be taken at will. Therefore, today we will talk about this medicine, its effectiveness, side effects and things to be careful about while using it.
What kind of medicine is Diethylpropion?
Simply put, Diethylpropion is an appetite suppressant . It works by making you feel less hungry. But it's not magic. It should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and a good exercise program to see the best results.
The important thing is that this is usually only prescribed for a very short period of time, like a few weeks . It is not recommended for continuous use.
This medicine may be available on the market under brand names such as Tenuate Dospan.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Agitation
- Glaucoma
- High blood pressure
- If you have been addicted to drugs in the past or have a history of such addiction
- Hyperthyroidism
- Kidney or liver disease
- Lung-related diseases
- Valvular heart disease
- If you have an allergy to diethylpropion or other medicines, foods, or dyes
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- If a mother is breastfeeding her child
It is very important for your safety to talk to the doctor without hiding these things.
The correct way to use the medicine
When using this medicine, it is essential to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water .
- Never chew, crush, or break the tablet. It should be swallowed whole.
- This medicine is usually taken mid- morning .
- Take the prescribed dose at the time prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not take this pill in the evening or at night. Doing so may cause insomnia.
- If you miss a dose, take it only when you remember during the day. But if it's in the evening, skip it and take it again the next day at the usual time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Should this medicine be given to children?
Doctors may prescribe this medicine for children over the age of 16 in special cases. However, it requires special care and precautions. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, talk to your doctor about it carefully.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
Interactions with other medications
Diethylpropion is a drug that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, it is very important to inform your doctor about all medications and vitamins you are taking.
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Do not take Diethylpropion with this medicine. | |
| MAOIs (given for conditions such as depression) | Medicines like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate. |
| Other stimulants | Medications such as Amphetamine and Methylphenidate (used for some mental illnesses). |
| Other medications for weight loss or appetite control | Fluoxetine, Sibutramine, other herbal products. |
| Some medicines for colds | Medicines containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. |
| This medicine may also cause side effects (seek medical advice) | |
| Diabetes medication | Insulin and other diabetes pills. |
| Medication for high blood pressure | Any blood pressure medication you are taking. |
| General Anesthetics | Tell your doctor if you are taking this medicine before surgery. |
| Phenothiazines (given for some mental illnesses) | Medicines like Chlorpromazine and Prochlorperazine. |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Diethylpropion can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, chest pain. |
| Mental changes | Intense anger, restlessness, confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations). |
| Physical discomfort | Difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, vision changes. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Changes in the digestive system | Constipation or diarrhea, stomach upset. |
| Other minor inconveniences | Dry mouth, unpleasant taste in the mouth, headache, hair loss, skin redness or itching. |
| Other | Decreased/increased sexual desire or activity, irregular menstrual cycle. |
How to store medicine safely?
This is very important. This medicine can be abused, so it must be kept very safe.
- Keep out of reach of children .
- Keep your medication in a safe place that can be protected from theft.
- Never share this medicine with anyone else. Selling or giving this medicine to someone else is illegal and very dangerous.
- Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
- If you are disposing of unused medicine, mix it with something like cat litter or coffee grounds and place it in a tightly sealed bag or a can with a lid.
Take-Home Message
- Diethylpropion is only a short-term aid for weight loss. It is not a long-term solution.
- To get the best results from this medication, a low-calorie diet and exercise are definitely necessary.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or rapid heartbeat, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. It can be very dangerous.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions and prescribed dosages exactly.
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