What is Diethylpropion ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Diethylpropion ER overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan

Generic Names:

  • Diethylpropion Hcl Er

Uses:

  • Used for short periods as part of a diet plan to help you lose weight.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Appetite Suppressant, Centrally Acting

Forms:

  • Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Diethylpropion ER used for?

What form(s) does Diethylpropion ER come in

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Diethylpropion ER doses?

  • Tablet Extended Release 24 Hour 75MG

Common Diethylpropion ER prescriptions

  • Diethylpropion HCl ER
    75mg tablet extended release 24 hour

How to take Diethylpropion ER

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.

  • Take the tablet 1 hour before meals. To avoid trouble sleeping, take your last dose of the day about 4 to 6 hours before bedtime (unless your doctor tells you differently).

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole - do not break, chew, or crush. To avoid trouble sleeping, take the extended-release tablet dose in the morning (unless your doctor tells you differently).

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.

  • Take the tablet 1 hour before meals. To avoid trouble sleeping, take your last dose of the day about 4 to 6 hours before bedtime (unless your doctor tells you differently).

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole - do not break, chew, or crush. To avoid trouble sleeping, take the extended-release tablet dose in the morning (unless your doctor tells you differently).

What to do if you miss a dose of Diethylpropion ER

  • If you take 1 dose a day, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and just take your one tablet for that day.

  • If you take more than 1 dose a day, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next usual dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

Diethylpropion ER contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to diethylpropion, other diet pills such as Fastin®, or amphetamines such as Dexedrine®. You should not use this medicine if you have problems with drug abuse, high blood pressure, heart disease, overactive thyroid, severe anxiety, or glaucoma.

Diethylpropion ER warnings

  • Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have Tourette's syndrome, depression, epilepsy (seizures), kidney disease, diabetes, or drug or alcohol abuse problems.

  • Diethylpropion may be habit-forming. You may have withdrawal symptoms such as stomach pain, trembling, depressed mood, tiredness, or anxiety after you stop taking the medicine.

  • If you have taken this medicine for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it. Talk to your doctor first.

  • If the medicine does not seem to work as well after a few weeks, talk to your doctor. You should not use more of it than your doctor prescribed.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or feel "high." Be careful if you are driving a car or using machinery.

  • For patients with diabetes, this medicine may change the level of sugar in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if your tests for sugar in blood or urine change.

  • Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking diethylpropion before having any kind of surgery.

Diethylpropion ER interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking amantadine, amphetamines (Dexedrine®), cocaine, (Cylert®), methylphenidate (Ritalin®), other diet pills, medicine for asthma, allergies, or colds, or blood pressure medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as Marplan® or Parnate® within the past 14 days.

  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine while taking this medicine.

  • If the medicine does not seem to work as well after a few weeks, talk to your doctor. You should not use more of it than your doctor prescribed.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or feel "high." Be careful if you are driving a car or using machinery.

  • For patients with diabetes, this medicine may change the level of sugar in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if your tests for sugar in blood or urine change.

  • Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking diethylpropion before having any kind of surgery.

Diethylpropion ER side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

  • Chest pain

  • Severe headache

  • Trouble breathing

  • Skin rash, severe itching or hives

  • Blurred vision, confusion, or hallucinations

  • Uncontrolled body movements or seizures

  • Unexplained fever or sore throat

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps

  • Changes in sex drive

  • Bad taste in the mouth or dry mouth

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Restlessness, trembling, or nervousness

  • Trouble sleeping or headache