Semax
250 mcg · Tue/Thu/Sat
Robert
Founder, F*CK Getting Old — independent researcher, not a medical professional.
Last reviewed · 2 cited sources
Evidence
- Human Studies
- 15
- Animal Studies
- 50
- Clinical Status
- Off-label
- Confidence
- Low
- Long-Term Safety
- Established within Russian clinical use; limited independent replication elsewhere
What this score is: a measure of how much research exists and how far along it is (animal-only vs. human trials, research-stage vs. FDA approved) — not how safe, effective, or worth trying a compound is. A low score usually means “early stage” or “understudied,” not “bad.” A high score doesn’t mean “better” for your goals than a lower-scored one.
This is not my personal rating of the compound, not a recommendation, and not medical advice. It’s a general research synthesis for informational purposes only, not a live literature count. See the linked research and talk to a licensed clinician before making decisions based on it.
Mechanism
Semax is a synthetic ACTH fragment developed in Russia, studied for effects on BDNF expression and neuroprotection. It is registered as a prescription nasal spray in Russia for cognitive/stroke indications, but is not FDA approved or independently replicated at the same scale in Western research.
Common Protocols
- 200–300 mcg, intranasal or subcutaneous, 3x/week
- Most traditional use is intranasal, not injected
Side Effects
- Nasal irritation (intranasal route)
- Anecdotal reports of overstimulation/anxiety at higher doses
Interactions
- Limited formal interaction data; caution combining with other stimulating nootropics
Practical Details
- Cost
- $
- Typical Vial Size
- 5 mg
- Storage
- Refrigerate after reconstitution
Key Studies & Reviews
- Panikratova YR et al. (2020). Functional connectomic approach to studying Selank and Semax effects. Dokl Biol Sci. PMID 32342318.
- Mavrych V et al. (2026). Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy aging. Front Aging. PMID 42021992.
Search the Research
Semax FAQ
What is the typical Semax dosage?
Commonly reported protocols: 200–300 mcg, intranasal or subcutaneous, 3x/week; Most traditional use is intranasal, not injected. Our reference entry uses 250 mcg, Tue/Thu/Sat. These reflect protocols reported in research and user communities, not a medical recommendation — dosing should be decided with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Semax?
Reported side effects include: Nasal irritation (intranasal route); Anecdotal reports of overstimulation/anxiety at higher doses.
Is Semax FDA approved?
Semax is not FDA approved for the uses discussed here; it is used off-label or through compounding pharmacies, with less oversight of quality and dosing.
How much research is there on Semax?
Our evidence profile counts roughly 15 human and 50 animal studies, with low overall confidence. Long-term safety: Established within Russian clinical use; limited independent replication elsewhere.
Does Semax interact with other drugs or supplements?
Limited formal interaction data; caution combining with other stimulating nootropics.
How do I reconstitute Semax?
A common setup is a 5 mg vial mixed with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, which puts a 250 mcg dose at about 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Use the reconstitution calculator with your own vial and dose to get exact numbers. Storage: Refrigerate after reconstitution.
Related compounds
Paired with Selank, boosts cognition