Semax
Typical dose
300–600 mcg
1–2×/day · nasal or SubQ
Half-life
~30 minutes
What is Semax?
Russian nootropic peptide. Increases BDNF and improves cognitive function.
How Semax works
Increases BDNF synthesis and upregulates melanocortin receptors in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, enhancing dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission.
Benefits & uses
- Cognitive enhancement
- BDNF increase
- Neuroprotection
- Focus
- Memory
- Mood
Common uses: Cognitive enhancement, stroke recovery, ADHD, neuroprotection.
Semax dosage
- Typical dose
- Typical: 300–600 mcg/day (nasal) or SubQ, 1–2×/day. 2–4 weeks.
- Protocol notes
- 200-900mcg intranasally per day. Cycle 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
- Reference range
- Observational; intranasal dosing per productClinical or reference range, not a personal recommendation.
Semax half-life
~30 minutes (nasal), brain effects may persist hours
Semax side effects
Very safe. Some report headaches at high doses.
- Mild headaches at high doses (>600 mcg)
- Transient nasal irritation
- Rarely: over-stimulation or restlessness at high doses
- No clinically significant side effects at standard doses
- Generally well tolerated
- Nasal irritation
- Limited Western data
Warnings & monitoring
- Research use only
- May increase anxiety in some users at high doses
- Gray-market/limited Western clinical data.
Preparation & storage
- Preparation
- Often a nasal spray. If SubQ: mix 5 mg with 2 mL bac water → 2,500 mcg/mL; a 300 mcg dose = 0.12 mL = 12 units.
- Reconstitution
- Commonly used as a nasal spray. If SubQ: reconstitute a 5 mg vial with 2 mL BAC water → 2.5 mg/mL; a 300 mcg dose = 0.12 mL = 12 units.
- Storage
- Refrigerate (2–8 °C). Once opened: use within 30 days. Keep away from direct light.
Semax interactions
with BPC-157
CompatibleComplementary neuroprotective stack: BPC-157 supports gut-brain axis and nerve healing, while Semax elevates BDNF and cognitive function. No known pharmacological conflict.
Timing: SubQ BPC-157; Semax nasal — no timing conflict
with BPC-157
CompatibleNo known adverse interaction. BPC-157 supports gut and systemic healing; Semax promotes neurogenesis (BDNF) and cognitive function. Complementary neuro-protective and recovery stack.
Timing: BPC-157 subcutaneous daily; Semax intranasal morning
with NAD+
CompatibleNAD+ restores mitochondrial energy while Semax elevates BDNF — together they provide complementary neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects.
Timing: NAD+ in the morning; Semax nasal in the morning alongside or 30 min after
with Selank
CompatibleComplementary nootropic peptides. Selank has anxiolytic and immune-modulating effects; Semax stimulates BDNF and cognitive performance. Often combined for anxiety + focus without sedation.
Timing: Both administered intranasally; Selank for anxiety, Semax for cognition/energy
with Selank
CompatibleSelank (anxiolytic/GABA-modulatory) and Semax (BDNF/nootropic) have distinct mechanisms and combine for a calm, focused cognitive state without sedation.
Timing: Administer both nasally in the morning; may alternate days if budget-conscious
with Selank
CompatibleSelank's anxiolytic profile complements Semax's nootropic/dopaminergic action — a classic anxious-overachiever stack with well-documented synergy.
Timing: Often dosed together intranasally morning and afternoon
Commonly stacked with
Track Semax in Protokol.
Log doses, model half-lives, check interactions, and line it all up against your bloodwork. Free on iPhone and Android.
More Nootropic
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- N-Acetyl Semax AmidateStabilized (acetylated/amidated) Semax variant; nootropic/neuroprotective.
- PE-22-28Spadin analog investigated for mood/neuroplasticity.
- PinealonShort neuropeptide studied for cognitive and pineal-axis effects.