Semax
ACTH (4-10) analog — synthetic heptapeptide (nootropic)
A 7-amino-acid synthetic peptide derived from ACTH (4-10), developed in Russia for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement. Drives BDNF and NGF upregulation, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways, and reduces neuroinflammation. Approved in Russia for stroke recovery, ADHD, and cognitive disorders. Off-label elsewhere for cognition and post-concussion contexts.
Quick reference
How Semax works
Semax is a synthetic analog of ACTH (4-10) — the bioactive fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail added for stability. The 7-amino-acid sequence (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) preserves the cognitive-enhancement properties of ACTH (4-10) without the cortisol-elevating effects.
Primary mechanisms: BDNF and NGF upregulation (neuroplasticity, neuroprotection), dopaminergic and serotonergic modulation (focus, mood), and reduced neuroinflammation (decreased microglial activation in injury contexts). The combined effect is cognitive enhancement plus active neuroprotection — distinct from caffeine-like stimulants that just push existing systems harder.
Most-cited clinical use is post-concussion recovery and acute ischemic stroke (Russian protocols). The neuroprotection effect is robust: mortality reduction in stroke, faster cognitive recovery in TBI. ADHD-adjacent focus enhancement is the most-cited off-label use.
In the DoseCraft framework, Semax targets Inflammation (neuroinflammation reduction) and ATP Shortage (mitochondrial support via BDNF/NGF pathways).
Reconstitution math
- Remove the flip-off cap from the 5 mg vial.
- Draw 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall.
- Swirl gently. Transfer to a nasal spray bottle for intranasal use.
- Refrigerate. Stable approximately 30 days.
Dose math
5 mg vial + 2.5 mL bac water → 2,000 mcg/mL (2 mg/mL).
Nasal sprayers typically deliver 0.1 mL per spray:
- • 1 spray ≈ 200 mcg (depends on sprayer)
- • 2 sprays each nostril = 800 mcg total
- • Standard daily dose: 800 mcg split AM/PM (400 mcg per dose)
Synergy stack
Semax + Selank — daytime cognitive stack
Semax for cognitive sharpness + neuroprotection; Selank for calm focus without anxiety. The combination provides clean daytime cognitive enhancement without sedation or addiction risk. Standard timing: Selank in the morning, Semax mid-morning + early afternoon.
Selank dose
250-500 mcg intranasal AM
Semax dose
400 mcg intranasal AM + early PM
Safety + side-effect profile
Generally very well-tolerated. The ACTH-analog origin means cortisol effects are theoretically possible at high doses, but standard protocols (≤800 mcg/day) don't produce measurable cortisol elevation in trials.
Not documented at standard doses: hepatotoxicity, hormonal disruption, addiction, withdrawal, cardiovascular effects. Contraindications: active psychotic disorders (limited data), pregnancy, lactation, simultaneous use of MAOIs.
Interaction notes: stacks well with Selank (most-common pairing) and Cerebrolysin. Avoid stacking with high-dose stimulants (Adderall, modafinil) — additive overstimulation possible. Caution with SSRIs initially; gradual introduction is well-tolerated.
- • Mild headache in first 3-5 days (uncommon)
- • Occasional nasal irritation
- • Vivid dreams during dosing periods
- • No sedation, no morning grogginess
Frequently asked
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic 7-amino-acid analog of ACTH (4-10), developed in Russia. Drives BDNF and NGF upregulation, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways, and reduces neuroinflammation. Approved in Russia for stroke recovery, ADHD, and cognitive disorders. Off-label elsewhere.
What is the typical Semax dose?
Standard practitioner protocol: 400-800 mcg intranasal daily, split AM/PM. For post-concussion or stroke recovery, higher doses (1-2 mg/day) are used in Russian protocols under physician supervision. Cycle 4-6 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off.
Semax vs Selank — when to use which?
Semax: stronger cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, post-concussion recovery, ADHD-adjacent focus. Selank: anxiety reduction, mild cognitive support, non-sedating calm. Many practitioners stack them — Selank for calm, Semax for cognition.
Does Semax work for ADHD?
Approved in Russia for cognitive disorders including ADHD. Practitioner reports describe meaningful focus improvement comparable to low-dose stimulants without the addiction risk or peripheral side effects. Not a direct replacement for prescription stimulants in severe ADHD, but a useful adjunct or alternative for milder presentations.
Is Semax effective for post-concussion recovery?
Yes — this is one of the most-cited clinical uses. Russian protocols use 1-2 mg/day intranasally for 14-21 days post-injury, with documented improvement in cognitive recovery vs control. The BDNF/NGF upregulation mechanism is mechanistically aligned with neuroplasticity-driven recovery.
Is Semax addictive?
No documented addiction or withdrawal. The dopaminergic modulation is upstream of reward-circuit reinforcement (it doesn't acutely elevate dopamine the way stimulants do — it preserves and supports existing dopaminergic function).
Should I cycle Semax?
Yes. Standard cycling: 4-6 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off. Russian clinical protocols are typically 14-30 day cycles. Continuous use beyond 8 weeks is less-validated, though no documented tolerance issues exist.
Are there safety concerns?
Generally mild. Reported: mild headache first 3-5 days (uncommon), occasional nasal irritation, vivid dreams. Not documented: sedation, addiction, withdrawal, hepatotoxicity, hormonal disruption. Theoretically the ACTH-analog origin means cortisol effects are possible at very high doses, but standard protocols (≤800 mcg/day) don't produce measurable cortisol elevation.
Related compounds
Often researched, stacked, or compared with Semax.
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