Tesofensine is an oral small-molecule triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor — not a peptide — developed for weight loss and studied in Phase 2 trials as a once-daily 0.5 mg capsule. Clinical data from the TIPO-1 trial and community experience form the basis of the protocols documented below. For the full mechanism and clinical trial data, see our tesofensine weight loss guide.
Research-context information only. Tesofensine is an investigational drug not approved by the FDA. Protocols, doses, and reactions reported below come from published clinical trials and self-reported community sources. This article reports what has been documented, not what should be done. Possession or use of investigational drugs outside an authorized clinical trial may be illegal in your jurisdiction. Consult a licensed physician for personal medical decisions.
All protocols below are based on Phase 2 clinical-trial data and self-reported community experience.
Quick Reference: Community Protocol
| Parameter | Community Protocol |
|---|---|
| Compound type | Small molecule (not a peptide) |
| Route | Oral (capsule) |
| Starting dose | 0.25 mg/day for 1-2 weeks |
| Standard dose | 0.5 mg/day |
| Timing | Morning, fasted or with light meal |
| Frequency | Once daily |
| Cycle | 8 weeks on, 4 weeks off |
| Half-life | ~220 hours (parent compound) |
| Storage | Room temperature |
Community protocols describe starting at 0.25 mg daily for 1-2 weeks to assess tolerance, then moving to 0.5 mg daily. The TIPO-1 data (Astrup et al., 2008) show the 0.5 mg dose achieving roughly 88% of the 1.0 mg weight-loss result — nearly equivalent efficacy with substantially fewer side effects.
Cycling Details
Tesofensine's monoamine mechanism makes tolerance a real consideration. Community protocols most commonly describe 8 weeks on, 4 weeks off.
Signs of developing tolerance that community sources describe (typically weeks 4-6): appetite suppression weakening, the energy boost diminishing, return of cravings. Community sources describe cycling off rather than increasing the dose when these appear.
Alternative: 5-on/2-off weekly — community sources describe 5 days on (Mon-Fri), 2 days off (weekends), continuing for 10-12 weeks before a full 4-week break. Given the ~220-hour parent-compound half-life, the 2-day break may not provide meaningful receptor recovery, and community sources describe the 8/4 cycle as more effective for managing tolerance.
Routes of Administration
Oral (only route): community sources describe swallowing the capsule whole in the morning, fasted or with a light meal — absorption is not significantly affected by food, though some users report faster onset fasted. Same-time daily dosing is commonly described.
No reconstitution needed. Not an injectable.
