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Diethylpropion
Diethylpropion is used as a short-term weight loss aid to help treat obesity. It works by suppressing the appetite and is meant to be used in combination with an appropriate diet. Diethylpropion, which comes in short-acting and long-acting tablet form, is available by prescription only. While most people tolerate the drug well, potential side effects include insomnia, restlessness, nausea, and shakiness.
Diethylpropion hydrochloride (Tenuate®) is a prescription weight loss medication approved to treat obesity for short-term use only (just a few weeks). It should be used along with an appropriate diet and exercise.
(Click What Is Diethylpropion Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with diethylpropion. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of diethylpropion include but are not limited to:
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
- Jitteriness
- Insomnia (see Tenuate and Insomnia)
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Nausea and vomiting.
(Click Side Effects of Diethylpropion to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD