Most users jump to 0.5mg — but starting dose matters more than you think. Covers timing, cycling, half-life, and side effects by dose.
Tesofensine is an oral small-molecule triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor — not a peptide — used for weight loss. For the full mechanism and clinical trial data, see our tesofensine weight loss guide.
Not FDA-approved. All protocols below are based on Phase II clinical trial data and community experience. This is not medical advice.
Start at 0.25 mg daily for 1-2 weeks to assess tolerance, then increase to 0.5 mg daily. The 0.5 mg dose provides ~88% of the maximum clinical effect with significantly fewer side effects than 1.0 mg.
Tesofensine’s monoamine mechanism means tolerance is a real consideration. The standard approach is 8 weeks on, 4 weeks off.
Signs tolerance is developing (typically weeks 4-6): appetite suppression weakening, energy boost diminishing, return of cravings. If you notice these, cycle off — do not increase the dose.
Alternative: 5on/2off weekly — 5 days on (Mon-Fri), 2 days off (weekends), continuing for 10-12 weeks before a full 4-week break. However, given the ~220-hour parent compound half-life, the 2-day break may not provide meaningful receptor recovery. The standard 8/4 cycle is more effective for managing tolerance.
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