Carl read the papersWhat it actually is
Semax is a synthetic fragment of the ACTH hormone (amino acids 4–10) with a stabilising tail. It’s used in Russia in clinical neurology, including stroke recovery.
In the nootropic world it’s valued for focus, mental clarity and neuroprotection, and like Selank is typically taken as a nasal spray.
How it’s thought to work
- BDNF upregulation — reported to raise brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
- Dopamine/serotonin — modulates focus- and mood-related neurotransmitters.
- Neuroprotection — studied in stroke and ischemia settings.
- Non-stimulant focus — clarity without classic stimulant jitter.
What the research says
Has Russian clinical use (including approved neurological indications there); independent Western trials are limited.
- Focus, attention and memory (reported).
- Neuroprotection / stroke recovery research.
- Mood and mental-fatigue studies.
Reported protocols
These are the doses the peptide community actually reports running (Reddit & forums), alongside published research — logged for education, not as a recommendation to use.
| Parameter | Commonly reported range |
|---|---|
| Community dose | 300–600 mcg per dose; N-Acetyl Semax variant used at lower doses |
| Frequency | 1–3× daily |
| Route | Intranasal (most popular); subQ |
| Cycle | 1–2 week courses |
| Community tip | Nasal spray is standard; the N-acetyl/amidate version is more potent |
Common use cases
| Goal | Community protocol notes |
|---|---|
| Focus & clarity | 300–600 mcg intranasal, 1–3×/day |
| Neuroprotection | studied in stroke / ischemia |
| With Selank | the calm-&-sharp pair |
Mixing it (reconstitution)
Freeze-dried peptides must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before they can be measured. Carl’s calculator turns “mg in the vial + ml of water + target dose” into “units on the syringe” — and tells you how long the vial lasts.
→ Open the Reconstitution Calculator
Injection & handling
Intranasal spray is standard (subQ also), 300–600 mcg, 1–3×/day; the N-acetyl/amidate version is more potent at lower doses. 1–2 week courses. Refrigerate.
Stacks it appears in
- Calm & Sharp — Selank + Semax — calm plus focus, the classic nootropic duo.
