Education only, not medical advice◆21+◆Every dose is an example to finalize with a licensed provider
Cognitive & MoodSynthetic heptapeptideNot FDA-approved · research compound
Semax
Semax Acetate
Evidence: Studied in humans. Example dose: finalize with a provider. Not a fact-check stamp.
200-600 mcg daily – 200-500 mcgSubQDaily, morning only
ACTH(4-10) analog with Pro-Gly-Pro extensionBDNF/TrkB pathway activatorNootropic / cognitive enhancerApproved medication in Russia (RX)
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH(4-10), the biologically active fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, with a stabilizing Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension that protects against enzymatic degradation. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Semax has been approved in Russia and Ukraine as a prescription medication for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and stroke recovery. It exerts nootropic effects primarily through upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling, without the adrenal-stimulating effects of full-length ACTH. Semax is stimulating and is best administered in the morning to avoid sleep disruption.
Quick Start
Route
Nasal spray or Subcutaneous (SubQ) injection
Start low
200-600 mcg SubQ
Frequency
Daily, morning only
Timing
No fasting required. Morning dosing due to stimulating effects. Avoid late-day or evening.
Intranasal: Any time of day. Cognitive effects peak 15-30 minutes after dosing. SubQ: Same timing. No fasting required. Multiple daily doses for sustained effect.
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Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
Tiered Protocols · lowest first
Conservative start
200-600 mcg daily · Nasal spray or Subcutaneous (SubQ) injection · Daily, morning only
conservative starter
200-600 mcg daily
Daily, morning only
Standard
Nootropic Stimulation
200-500 mcg · SubQ · Daily
human study · Asmarin et al. 1997 (Zh Vyssh Nerv Deiat Im I P Pavlova 47(2):420-30)
Intranasal administration is very common. Synergistic with stimulants but may cause over-arousal.
200-500 mcg
Daily
Reconstitution CalculatorU-100
050100u
Draw to
— units
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01
How it works
Semax activates melanocortin receptors (MC3R, MC4R) in the brain, triggering downstream signaling that upregulates BDNF expression and TrkB receptor activation in the hippocampus and cortex. BDNF is the primary neurotrophin supporting neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity (the cellular basis of learning and memory). Semax also modulates serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, increases expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and enhances cerebral blood flow. The Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal modification protects against DPP-IV and aminopeptidase degradation, extending the effective half-life. Critically, Semax does NOT stimulate the adrenal cortex at standard doses (unlike full-length ACTH), meaning no cortisol elevation.
02
What to expect
Early
Days 1–7
Days 1-3: Many users report noticeable cognitive effects within the first few days. Improved focus, verbal fluency, and mental energy. Stimulating nature becomes apparent. If sleep is disrupted, dose is too late in the day.
Mid
Weeks 2–4
Weeks 1-4: Consistent cognitive enhancement. BDNF upregulation effects compound over time. Memory and learning capacity improve. Mood stabilization. Best effects typically reported at 2-4 weeks.
Later
Weeks 4–12
Weeks 4-8: Sustained neuroplasticity benefits. Some users report the effects plateau, which is one reason for cycling. The 4-8 week cycle allows receptor sensitivity to reset.
03
Evidence
HumanPresent
AnimalStrong
In-vitroPresent
Each reference below was re-fetched from its PubMed record, and the quoted sentence was
confirmed to appear in that abstract and to support the claim it sits under. Follow any of
them to read the source.
To investigate the mRNA expression of neurotrophins and their receptors after treatment with either Semax or PGP, the rat brains were analyzed at three time points following a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO).
To investigate the mRNA expression of neurotrophins and their receptors after treatment with either Semax or PGP, the rat brains were analyzed at three time points following a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO).
Evidence scope. Rat cerebral-ischemia model; no human nasal/subcutaneous dose support.
Claims we could not support
No abstract we checked supports these for this molecule at this route. That is not the
same as saying they are false — it marks where the evidence is missing.
Dose/route: 200-600 mcg daily via Nasal spray or Subcutaneous (SubQ) injection, Daily, morning only. No checked live PubMed abstract supported this complete molecule/formulation/route/dose/frequency combination.
Primary safety claim: Overstimulation if dosed too high or too late in the day. No checked live abstract directly established this as the primary concern for the card's exact formulation and regimen.
04
The honest take
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Cognitive enhancement
Strongest claim. Approved in Russia for this purpose. Published human data supports improved attention, memory, and processing in both healthy and impaired populations.
Stroke neuroprotection
Supported
Russian clinical studies show improved outcomes in acute ischemic stroke when Semax is administered alongside standard care. Mechanism (BDNF, cerebral blood flow) is well-supported.
BDNF upregulation
Supported
Confirmed in multiple animal and human studies. BDNF increase is dose-dependent and well-characterized. This is the primary mechanism of cognitive benefits.
05
Interactions & stacking
Two different questions: what is documented about running these together, and what is documented about drawing them into the same syringe. A good pharmacological partner can still have to be pinned separately.
Documented together
BPC-157Non-overlapping (cognitive vs tissue repair)
GHK-CuNon-overlapping mechanisms
GHKNon-overlapping mechanisms
AOD-9604Non-overlapping (cognitive vs metabolic)
Keep separate
CJC-1295 with DACDAC maleimide reactivity concern.
Check any specific pair in the Stack & Interaction Checker, which answers both questions separately. Absence of a documented conflict is not evidence of safety.
06
Side effects & safety
Commonly reported
Overstimulation if dosed too high or too late in the day
Sleep disruption if administered in the afternoon or evening
Mild headache (usually resolves within first few days)
Slight appetite changes
Less common & notes
Anxiety or irritability at higher doses (reduce dose).
Hair loss has been reported anecdotally with prolonged use (mechanism unclear, possibly related to melanocortin receptor effects).
Nasal irritation if using intranasal route.
Semax does NOT elevate cortisol at standard doses despite being derived from ACTH.
Long-term safety data from Russian clinical use is available but may not meet Western standards.
07
Pharmacokinetics
Illustrative plasma concentration · 2.3 h
Half-life
0.5h
Peak · Tmax
0.33h
Elimination
2.5h
Bioavailability
~100%
SubQ, ~60% Nasal
Duration of action
6-12 hours
BDNF upregulation and cognitive effects outlast plasma presence; cumulative with daily dosing
Storage. Store unreconstituted vials frozen (-20C) or refrigerated (2-8C). After reconstitution with BAC water, refrigerate at 2-8C. Stable for 28 days. Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal modification enhances stability against enzymatic degradation. Protect from light.
08
Regulatory status
Approved as a prescription medication in Russia and Ukraine for cognitive disorders, stroke recovery, and neuroprotection. Not FDA-approved in the United States. Available as a research peptide. WADA status: Not specifically listed but may fall under S0 Non-Approved Substances for competitive athletes.
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open Semax straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.