Tesofensine vs Alpha-GPC
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Fat Loss & Metabolic
TesofensineCognitive Enhancement
Alpha-GPC- Summary
- Tesofensine is a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (TMRI) that blocks reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Originally developed for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, it was repurposed as a potent weight loss agent after clinical trials demonstrated substantial fat loss via appetite suppression and increased energy expenditure.
- Alpha-GPC is the most bioavailable form of choline, readily crossing the blood-brain barrier to rapidly increase acetylcholine levels. It enhances cognitive performance, supports GH secretion, and is used as an essential complement to many nootropic peptides (especially those that increase acetylcholine demand like Noopept and Dihexa).
- Half-Life
- 8-10 days (exceptionally long; accumulates over weeks)
- ~4–6 hours
- Admin Route
- Oral
- Oral, SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.25-0.5 mg per day
- 300–600 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- 1–2x daily
- Key Benefits
- Potent appetite suppression via triple monoamine reuptake inhibition
- Significant weight loss (8-12% body weight in phase II trials at 0.5 mg)
- Increases basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure
- Reduces fat mass preferentially over lean mass
- Potential cognitive benefit via dopaminergic and noradrenergic enhancement
- Longer half-life than sibutramine allows once-daily dosing
- Rapidly raises brain acetylcholine levels
- Enhances memory formation and recall
- Prevents headaches from nootropic peptides (choline donor)
- Stimulates growth hormone secretion (modest)
- Improves attention and processing speed
- Neuroprotective in Alzheimer's and cognitive decline
- Approved in Europe for Alzheimer's therapy
- Enhances power output in athletes (pre-workout)
- Side Effects
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure (sympathomimetic)
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Nausea
- +4 more
- Headache (paradoxically, from excess acetylcholine at very high doses)
- Nausea at doses > 1200 mg
- Dizziness
- Fatigue at high doses
- +1 more
- Stacks With
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