What is diethylpropion?
Diethylpropion is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine. It is also
known as an "anorectic" or an "anorexigenic" drug. Diethylpropion stimulates the central nervous
system (nerves and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure and decreases your
appetite.
Diethylpropion is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of
obesity.
Diethylpropion may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diethylpropion?
You cannot take diethylpropion if you
-
have heart disease or high blood pressure;
-
have arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);
-
have glaucoma;
-
have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days;
or
-
have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
-
problems with your thyroid,
-
an anxiety disorder,
-
epilepsy or another seizure disorder, or
-
diabetes.
You may not be able to take diethylpropion, or you may require a lower
dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Diethylpropion is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to
harm an unborn baby. Do not take diethylpropion without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant.
Diethylpropion passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take
diethylpropion without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take diethylpropion?
Take diethylpropion exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take diethylpropion on an empty stomach 1 hour before meals. An evening dose may be
taken to overcome nighttime hunger.
Diethylpropion is usually taken three times a day (regular-release formula). Follow your
doctor's instructions.
The sustained-release formulation is usually taken once a day in the midmorning.
Do not crush, chew or open any "once-daily" (long-acting or sustained-release)
diethylpropion tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.
Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much diethylpropion
could be very dangerous to your health.
Store diethylpropion at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of diethylpropion?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
dose or if it is already evening, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.
A dose taken too late in the day will cause insomnia.
Do not
take a double dose of
this medication.
Where can I get more information about diethylpropion?
Your pharmacist has information about diethylpropion written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of diethylpropion?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking diethylpropion and
seek emergency medical attention:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
an irregular heartbeat or very high blood pressure (severe
headache, blurred vision); or
-
hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or confusion.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take diethylpropion and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
restlessness or tremor,
-
nervousness or anxiety,
-
headache or dizziness,
-
insomnia,
-
dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth,
-
diarrhea or constipation, or
-
impotence or changes in your sex drive.
Diethylpropion is habit forming. You can become physically and
psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it
suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication
gradually.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about diethylpropion?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Diethylpropion may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of
extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.
Diethylpropion is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent
on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks
of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication gradually.
Do not crush, chew, or open any "once-daily" diethylpropion tablets or capsules. Swallow
them whole.
What should I avoid while taking diethylpropion?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Diethylpropion may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of
extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.
What other drugs will affect diethylpropion?
You cannot take diethylpropion if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such
as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days.
Changes in insulin and other diabetes drug therapies may be necessary during treatment with
diethylpropion.
Diethylpropion may reduce the effects of guanethidine (Ismelin). This could lead to an increase
in blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are taking guanethidine.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant such as
amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine
(Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), or desipramine (Norpramin). These drugs
may decrease the effects of diethylpropion.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with diethylpropion. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of diethylpropion?