Weight loss
Tesofensine, simplified.
Also called Triple reuptake inhibitor (not a peptide)
Human studiesAn oral appetite suppressant that works on brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is a small-molecule drug, not a peptide.
- Size
- Small molecule, not a peptide
- How it is taken
- Oral capsule
- Status
- Investigational in the US
- Available sizes
- Capsules: 500 mcg
What is it?
Tesofensine was first developed for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Researchers noticed people lost weight, so it was retested for obesity. It keeps dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin active longer, which reduces hunger.
What studies show
- In peopleIn a 24-week trial, people on the middle dose lost about 10% of their body weight, compared with about 2% on placebo.
- In peopleIt has gone through late-stage trials in Mexico.
What we don’t know yet
- Long-term heart safety.
- How it compares with GLP-1 medicines.
Side effects and cautions
- Raises heart rate and can raise blood pressure.
- Dry mouth, trouble sleeping, nausea and mood changes are reported.
- Can interact with antidepressants and stimulants.
Is it legal?
Not FDA-approved.
Dosage & schedule evidence
How to read published schedules
Third-party protocols are not established clinical dosing standards. Safe human dose, frequency, and duration may be unknown. Research findings may not translate to safe or effective personal use.
| Measurement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | 1,000 mcg (mass) |
| 100 U-100 units | 1 mL (volume, not dose) |
See third-party published protocols ↗ for research context. North Star does not validate these schedules.
Consult your doctor before considering any peptide for personal use. Educational only, not administration guidance.
Common questions
What is Tesofensine?
An oral appetite suppressant that works on brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is a small-molecule drug, not a peptide. Tesofensine was first developed for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Researchers noticed people lost weight, so it was retested for obesity. It keeps dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin active longer, which reduces hunger.
What does the research say about Tesofensine?
In a 24-week trial, people on the middle dose lost about 10% of their body weight, compared with about 2% on placebo. It has gone through late-stage trials in Mexico.
Is Tesofensine FDA approved?
Not FDA-approved.
What are the side effects of Tesofensine?
Raises heart rate and can raise blood pressure. Dry mouth, trouble sleeping, nausea and mood changes are reported. Can interact with antidepressants and stimulants.
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This page explains published research in plain language. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything, and it does not give dosing. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved, and products sold online vary widely in purity. Rules around peptides are changing, so check the current status and talk with a licensed clinician before starting anything. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.