Semax
ACTH 4-10 analogue
A Russian-developed neuropeptide used clinically there for stroke and cognition, with limited Western data.
Class
Synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue / neuropeptide
Half-life
Short (minutes); effects outlast plasma levels
Evidence
Limited human data
Limited human data
Small open-label studies, case series, or trials in a narrow population. Directionally informative, not conclusive.
Overview
Semax is a synthetic analogue of a fragment of ACTH, modified so it retains neuroactive effects without ACTH's hormonal (cortisol-raising) activity. It has been an approved drug in Russia for decades, used for stroke recovery, cognitive disorders, and optic nerve conditions, and is typically given as a nasal spray.
Its proposed mechanism centres on raising BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and modulating the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, which would fit its reported effects on focus, memory, and mood. Russian clinical studies report benefit in ischemic stroke and cognitive impairment.
The evidence problem is access and rigor: most trials are Russian-language, older, and not replicated to Western regulatory standards. It is not FDA approved, and Western controlled data is sparse. Users report nootropic effects, but the high-quality evidence base is thin.
How it works
- Increases BDNF and NGF expression in the brain, supporting neuroplasticity.
- Modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission.
- Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects in ischemia models.
- Lacks the corticotropic (cortisol-raising) activity of the parent ACTH fragment.
What the research shows
Researched effects
- Reported improvement in ischemic stroke recovery in Russian clinical use
- Reported cognitive and attention benefits
- Neuroprotective effects in animal ischemia models
- Anecdotal Western reports of improved focus and mental stamina
Limitations & what it won't do
- Western controlled trials are largely absent; most data is older Russian literature.
- Not FDA approved.
- Intranasal bioavailability and optimal dosing are not well standardised.
Dosing protocols
These ranges reflect published trials and community protocols. They are reference information, not a prescription. Doses are per injection unless noted.
Intranasal nootropic protocol (community)
300–600 mcg (0.1% or 1% solution)Concentration matters — a 1% ('Semax 1%') spray delivers roughly 10× a 0.1% spray per drop. Confirm concentration before dosing.
Administration
Not an injectable reconstitution compound
Side effects
Common
- Nasal irritation
- Mild headache
- Occasional overstimulation or insomnia if dosed late
Serious / rare
- Poorly characterised in Western literature
Contraindications & interactions
Do not use if you have
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
No pregnancy safety data.
Use caution if you have
- Mood or psychiatric condition
Neurotransmitter-modulating peptides can affect mood conditions unpredictably — discuss with a prescriber, especially with bipolar disorder.
- Seizure disorder
CNS-active compounds warrant caution with a seizure history.
Medication interactions
- cautionSSRIs / SNRIs — Serotonergic modulation on top of an SSRI/SNRI is unstudied — theoretical additive effect.
- cautionMAO inhibitors — Combining neuromodulators with MAOIs is a poorly characterised risk.
- monitorStimulants — Additive stimulation possible.
What to monitor
- Mood and sleep
- Subjective cognitive response
Commonly combined with
References
Research & educational information only — not medical advice.
You must be 18 or older to use this site. The peptides described are presented as research chemicals intended for research purposes only. Most are not approved by the FDA for human use. Dosing ranges reflect what has appeared in the scientific literature or community protocols and are not prescriptions. Nothing here replaces evaluation by a licensed physician who knows your full medical history.
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