If you are a woman who is breastfeeding, pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks to your baby before you start Tenuate. Also, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications, prescription or over-the-counter, that you're taking. This includes herbal preparations and vitamins.

Does Tenuate Interact with Food, Drink or Any Other Medications?

If you're taking any of the following types of medications, you must use caution if you also want to begin taking Tenuate. The effects of either medication may be increased, decreased or altered in some other way. It's always a good idea to talk with your doctor before you start taking any new medication.

• Certain antidepressant medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should not be taken within 14 days of taking Tenuate. Examples of MAOIs include phenelzine, known as Nardil; tranylcyporomine, known as Parnate; and isocarboxazid, known as Marplan.
  
• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, Asendin, Sinequan, Pamelor, Tofranil, Anafranil, Vivactil and Norpramin, can strengthen the effect of Tenuate. Be sure to talk to your doctor first if you take any of those medications.
  
• Tenuate may require changes in insulin or other diabetes drug therapies, in order to maintain a healthy blood glucose level.
  

If you take Ismelin, also known as guanethidine, for high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before starting Tenuate, because Tenuate can decrease the effectiveness of Ismelin.

There are no foods or drinks that interact with Tenuate, but you should still take it on an empty stomach to get the most out of it.

More Information About Tenuate

Any time you take medication, you should do so with caution and only as directed by your doctor. If you've never taken Tenuate before, or if it's been a long time, you might have an allergic reaction. If you notice that you're having trouble breathing, your throat feels as though it's closing up, your lips, tongue or face are swollen or you have hives, stop taking Tenuate right away and seek emergency medical attention.

Tenuate can be habit-forming, wo it should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor and for a short time, about 8 to 12 weeks. Try to avoid stopping taking Tenuate too suddenly.

Use caution when operating machinery or motor vehicles until you see how Tenuate affects you. And remember, Tenuate works best when used as part of a total weight loss program that also includes healthy eating and regular exercise.