Tesofensine

Tesofensine is a weight-loss medication that affects the neurotransmitters produced in the brain- chemical messengers that control many aspects of mental health and physiology. It has been shown to increase the production of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin, which help to produce various cognitive benefits and reduce appetite.

Because of its ability to alter three types of neurotransmitters, this medication is considered a triple reuptake inhibitor and acts chemically similar to many antidepressant medications. If you feel that semaglutide is affecting you negatively, consider tesofensine as a replacement tool to use in your weight loss journey.

At Swan Medical, under the guidance of Dr. Peter Castillo and Remy Paille, Nurse Practitioner , we are closely monitoring the development of Tesofensine as an effective weight loss treatment. Our practice is dedicated to staying at the forefront of medical advancements, ensuring that our patients have access to the most innovative and effective treatments available. If you are interested in what Tesofensine might accomplish for you, give our Los Gatos location a call at (925) 905-9922 or request a free case review. We look forward to presenting this revolutionary treatment to help you achieve the body of your dreams.

Research into Tesofensine

When it was first developed, tesofensine was studied as a treatment for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, but it was found to be ineffective. Instead, it was demonstrated to promote weight loss, so research into this attribute commenced. The Phase 2 data for Tesofensine showed that participants taking 0.25 mg doses lost 6.5% of their initial body weight, those taking 0.5 mg lost 11.2%, and those taking 1 mg lost 12.5%. Participants who took the placebo only lost 2% of their weight, proving that this treatment had a significant impact. Not only that, but this trial ran for 2 years, so that its full safety profile could be evaluated. ⁽¹⁾ Based on guidelines set by the FDA, medications that promote more than 5% weight loss when compared with the placebo can be considered an anti-obesity medication. ⁽²⁾

Effects on Neurotransmitters

Tesofensine works to increase the amount of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin by blocking the receptors that absorb these neurotransmitters, prompting more of their production. This classifies the medication as a serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (SNDRI). Brain chemistry is a complicated science, but in general, dopamine is responsible for:

Serotonin is another vital neurotransmitter that is often imbalanced in people with anxiety and depression, but it serves many physiological functions that relate to biological health. Overall, serotonin helps with:

Finally, adequate levels of noradrenaline have been shown to improve:

As a neurotransmitter primarily responsible for the “flight or fight” response in the body, a healthy amount of noradrenaline can mitigate unhealthy eating habits that result as a symptom of fatigue.

By implementing a treatment that addresses the mind and body in a holistic way, tesofensine allows overweight and obese patients to better control the stressors related to overeating.

Benefits of Tesofensine

Although Tesofensine is often compared with semaglutide, there are a multitude of benefits that should not be overlooked:

Candidates for Tesofensine

Those who qualify for semaglutide are ideal candidates for treatment with tesofensine. For safety and efficacy reasons, prospective patients should have a BMI over 30. Some patients with a BMI over 27 may qualify for this treatment if they have a condition related to their weight. Tesofensine has also been designated for the treatment of hypothalamic obesity, a rare condition in which obesity is caused by injury to the hypothalamus structure in the brain.

Personal Consultation

At Swan Medical, our mission is to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of our patients’ well-being. If you are struggling with weight management or have concerns about your overall appearance, we invite you to schedule a free phone consultation to discuss your goals and explore personalized treatment options. To talk to a staff member directly, call our practice in Los Gatos, CA at (925) 905-9922. Together, we can help you embark on a journey towards greater health and confidence.

Preparation

In preparation for your Tesofensine treatment, Dr. Castillo or Remy Paille, Nurse Practitioner will speak with you about the possible side effects and when to expect results according to your current weight and physical fitness level. They will also conduct blood tests to ensure that there aren’t any underlying conditions that could be contributing to your unhealthy weight. Finally, they will review your current medications to evaluate if there are any contraindications. If you have a condition that you are currently taking medication for, like type 2 diabetes, they will prescribe the correct dosage of tesofensine so that it does not interfere.

Results

Depending on your body’s metabolism, initial weight, lifestyle, and the amount of exercise you participate in, results will begin to show within a few weeks to a few months. Some patients begin to lose a small amount of weight within 2 weeks, while for others, it may take longer. You should consult with your provider to ensure that you are getting adequate nutrition while losing excess weight. They will also help you monitor your rate of weight loss to make sure you are losing weight in a healthy manner.

We will make exercise recommendations for your level of fitness and mobility so that you can maintain or gain muscle mass. If you are interested in monitoring how your overall body composition changes while taking tesofensine, consider an Evolt 360 body scan. This non-invasive scan will give you valuable insight into the amount of muscle and fat mass within your body, as well as many other features of your health.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is an increasingly popular weight loss and type 2 diabetes medication. It acts as an imitation of the GLP-1 hormone, a chemical messenger that regulates the amount of insulin in the bloodstream. By safely modifying insulin levels, the brain interprets feelings of satiation, allowing patients to combat incessant food cravings. Though it is still possible to gain weight with this medication, patients can gain better control over their hunger and make smarter food choices.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

BHRT involves prescription hormones that have the same molecular structure as real hormones, so they are processed in the body as such. This customizable treatment addresses hormonal imbalances caused by the aging process or other deficiencies. Menopausal women can find relief from hot flashes, insomnia, and many other symptoms related to decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone. Men experiencing andropause or testosterone deficiency can increase their libido, and improve muscle tone, energy, and focus with BHRT. Each therapy is catered to your individual needs; your hormone levels will be carefully and thoroughly monitored with blood tests to prevent further imbalances. Hormones have a significant impact on overall well-being, so it’s important to consider this aspect of your health when looking to achieve a healthier weight.

Sermorelin with Glycine

Sermorelin has a similar structure to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) which is naturally produced in the body. When it’s paired with glycine, a neurotransmitter that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it stimulates the release of more growth hormones in the pituitary gland. While growth hormones primarily function to help us grow during childhood, they continue to serve a purpose as we age. It supports the growth of muscle mass, helps the body burn fat, improves sleep quality, and encourages a higher sex drive. All of these aspects can be negatively affected by weight gain, making sermorelin with glycine a complementary treatment to consider while taking tesofensine or semaglutide.

Cost of Tesofensine in Los Gatos, CA

The cost of tesofensine as a weight loss medication and obesity treatment can vary depending on several factors. At Swan Medical, we understand that financial implications and affordability are important considerations when it comes to your healthcare. At your consultation, you will receive an estimate for the cost. You can request your consultation by dialing (925) 905-9922 and we will be happy to get you an appointment. We also offer free phone consultations for all patients interested in a more convenient method.

If you would like to explore your options beyond tesofensine, please take a moment to look through our blog. We pride ourselves in informing our patients thoroughly prior to any treatment.

References

1. Davis AA, Edge PJ, Gold MS. Chapter 8 – New Directions in the Pharmacological Treatment of Food Addiction, Overeating, and Obesity. ScienceDirect. Published January 1, 2014. Accessed October 25, 2023. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780124077249000082
2. Narayanaswami V, Dwoskin LP. Obesity: Current and potential pharmacotherapeutics and targets. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2017;170:116-147. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.10.015
3. Cignarella A, Busetto L, Vettor R. Pharmacotherapy of obesity: An update. Pharmacological Research. 2021;169:105649. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105649