
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Tenuate
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Diethylcathinone (also called Diethylpropion and Amfepramone), is a sympathomimetic stimulant drug marketed as an appetite suppressant. It is sold under the brand name Tenuate or Tenuate Dospan, and may also be known as Amfepramone. The popular antidepressant, Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an analogue of this chemical. Both diethylpropion and bupropion have a stimulant effect on the CNS.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology

Its mechanism of action is similar to other appetite suppressants such as sibutramine, phentermine and dextroamphetamine. Chemically, it is the N,N-diethyl analog of cathinone and dimethylcathinone. Diethylpropion is manufactured in 25 mg tablets and 75 mg controlled-release tablets (Tenuate®, Tepanil Ten-Tab®). Diethylpropion is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States.
It is also used in the treatment of migraine (off-label).
Contraindications
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines
- Advanced arteriosclerosis or symptomatic cardiovascular disease
- Moderate or severe hypertension
- Hyperthyroidism
- History of drug abuse
- MAO inhibitor use (within 14 days)
Side effects
Side effects
- Severe
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Stroke
- Psychosis
- Tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmia, chest pain
- Ear, nose, and throat
- Xerostomia, metallic taste
- Changes in libido, gynecomastia, menstrual irregularities
- Eye
- Blurred vision
- Nausea/vomiting, constipation, abdominal cramps
- Bone marrow depression, agranulocytosis, leukopenia
- Tremor
- Euphoria, agitation, nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, anxiety, headache, mental depression, seizures
- Rash, hives, alopecia, ecchymosis
- Changes in libido, impotence
