Semax Review: Dosages, Uses & Vendors
Semax is a Russian produced peptide that takes a top spot as one of my favorite nootropics out there today.
Included on the Russian List of Vital & Essential Drugs, it's also one of the only nootropics prescribed for its neuroprotective/enhancement properties.
Particularly, it's recognized as potential treatment for ADHD as well as acute ischemic stroke.
While it's popularity is becoming more widespread, Semax (or Selank) are not yet evaluated by the FDA.
Semax Dosage and Uses
Semax is typically administered as either a nasal spray, or as drops (due to its poor bioavailability).
There are two versions, with the difference between them being the strength.
The first one, 1.0%, is used medicinally for things like headaches, strokes or helping the immune system.
The second, 0.1%, is the nootropic version (0.1%). It's more commonly used for:
- Memory retention & faster recall
- Communication skills
- Mental energy & clarity
- Multitasking
- Concentration
- Improved mood
Semax vs Selank
These two peptides are closely related.
The main difference in effects (in my personal experience), is that Semax is more stimulating.
It's more in line with what I would expect a nootropic to do.
Selank on the other hand is not a ACTH analogue. It's more known for its anxiolytic effects, meaning it helps with anxiety.
Specifically, Selank has been shown to improve functional activity in the brain in patients with GAD (source).
It isn't considerably strong in my experience, but it holds value to help calm you without sedation or dependence. I'll be writing more about it in the near future.
Semax Safety Profile
Semax is backed up by decades of studies and clinical use as being a safe and reliable peptide (despite its mechanism of action not yet being fully understood).
Along with a low toxicity profile, side effects do seem relatively minimal (though a stimulant sensitivity could increase anxiety).
Some people dislike that it has to be taken as a nasal spray. There's also the fact that Semax should ideally be stored in the fridge (after opening) due to its sensitivity to heat.
How Long Until it Begins to Work?
Most people report noticing the effects around the half hour point after use.
I would agree with that.
Clinically, intranasal administration in humans has shown increases in CSF levels by 10 min, with maximum levels reached by 30 minutes.
How Do You Obtain It?
Despite not being approved by the FDA, it's not banned either.
So, it's neither recognized for its use or classified as a controlled substance.
Today, the best and most reputable vendors (imo) are Science.bio (use Red10 for 10% off) and CosmicNootropic
The market is rather limited, and they obtain their products in Russia directly through pharmaceutical companies.
They both also include official documents when shipping, and provide all useful information and links to research on each of their product pages.
References
Tsai SJ. Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), is a potential agent for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and Rett syndrome. Med Hypotheses. 2007;68(5):1144-6. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2006.07.017. Epub 2006 Sep 25. PMID: 16996699.
Miasoedova NF, Skvortsova VI, Nasonov EL, Zhuravleva EIu, Grivennikov IA, Arsen'eva EL, Sukhanov II. Izuchenie mekhanizmov neĭroprotektivnogo deĭstviia semaksa v ostrom periode ishemicheskogo insul'ta [Investigation of mechanisms of neuro-protective effect of semax in acute period of ischemic stroke]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 1999;99(5):15-9. Russian. PMID: 10358912.
Panikratova, Y.R., Lebedeva, I.S., Sokolov, O.Y. et al. Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects. Dokl Biol Sci 490, 9–11 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1134/S001249662001007X
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235742277_The_Nootropic_and_Analgesic_Effects_of_SemaxGiven_via_Different_Routes
Kurysheva NI, Shpak AA, Ioĭleva EE, Galanter LI, Nagornova ND, Shubina NIu, Shlyshalova NN. "Semaks" v lechenii glaukomatoznoĭ opticheskoĭ neĭropatii u bol'nykh s normalizovannym oftal'motonusom [Semax in the treatment of glaucomatous optic neuropathy in patients with normalized ophthalmic tone]. Vestn Oftalmol. 2001 Jul-Aug;117(4):5-8. Russian. PMID: 11569188.
Ivanikov, I.O., Brekhova, M.E., Samonina, G.E. et al. Therapy of Peptic Ulcer with Semax Peptide. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine 134, 73–74 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020621124776
