Selank Dosing Guide: Protocols (2026)

Selank (TP-7) is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is approved in Russia as a nasal spray for anxiety and neurasthenia, making it one of the few peptides with actual clinical approval.

A peptide anxiolytic with clinical backing: Selank has been studied in human clinical trials for generalized anxiety disorder, with efficacy comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation, tolerance, or dependence. This is not medical advice.

Quick Reference: Community Dosing

Intranasal: The original and most-studied route. Start at 200 mcg per nostril, 2–3 times daily. Subcutaneous: Community-driven alternative — 250 mcg daily to start, may increase to 500 mcg.

For the full Selank peptide profile, vendor pricing, and stack protocols, see our peptide stacking guide.

Loading vs Maintenance

Selank does not require a traditional loading phase, but onset timing varies by route:

Initial period (Days 1–3): Start at the lower end of dosing (200 mcg intranasal or 250 mcg SC) to assess tolerance. Some users notice anxiolytic effects within the first dose; others require several days.

Maintenance (Days 4–14+): Continue at established dose or increase if well-tolerated. Russian clinical studies used fixed 14-day courses.

Cycling rationale: The 2–4 week on/off pattern mirrors Russian clinical protocols. While Selank doesn't show tolerance in studies, cycling is a conservative approach given limited long-term data.

Timing Considerations

• Morning + afternoon dosing: For intranasal, split doses provide more consistent levels
• Avoid late evening: Some users report mild stimulating effects that could affect sleep
• Empty stomach not required: Selank works well regardless of food timing
• Consistency matters: Regular daily use yields better results than sporadic dosing

Routes of Administration

Intranasal Spray (Clinically Studied)

The original and most well-characterized route of administration. Selank was specifically designed for intranasal delivery.

Clinical concentrations: Russian-approved formulation uses 0.15% solution:

• Per spray: Approximately 75–150 mcg depending on spray mechanism
• Per session: 2–3 sprays per nostril (200–400 mcg total)
• Daily total: 400–900 mcg across 2–3 sessions

Application: Tilt head slightly back, spray into each nostril, inhale gently. Avoid blowing nose for 10–15 minutes after administration.

Subcutaneous Injection (Community Protocol)

An alternative route used by the peptide community for more consistent dosing and absorption.

• Injection sites: Abdomen, love handles — standard subcutaneous fat areas
• Volume: Small volume, typically 0.1–0.2 mL with insulin syringe
• Frequency: Once daily, usually morning
• Reconstitution: Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to a 5 mg vial (2,500 mcg/mL). 250 mcg = 10 units on insulin syringe.

Important: Subcutaneous injection bypasses the nasal mucosa absorption pathway studied in clinical trials. Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics may differ.

Where These Numbers Come From: Clinical Context

Selank is relatively unique among peptides — it has genuine human clinical trial data and regulatory approval in Russia.

Russian Clinical Trials

Selank has been evaluated in controlled human studies:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) — A clinical study compared Selank to the benzodiazepine medazepam in patients with GAD and neurasthenia. Selank showed comparable anxiolytic effects with additional antiasthenic and psychostimulant properties (Zozulya et al., 2008).
• Intranasal dosing — Clinical protocols used 250–300 mcg intranasally, 3 times daily for 14 days
• Regulatory approval — Selank is approved in Russia as a prescription nasal spray for anxiety disorders

Mechanistic Studies

The biological basis for Selank's effects is well-characterized:

• Enkephalinase inhibition — Selank potently inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, increasing endogenous enkephalin levels and modulating the opioid system (Kost et al., 2001)
• GABAergic modulation — Affects expression of genes involved in GABA neurotransmission, providing benzodiazepine-like effects through a different mechanism (Kasian et al., 2016)
• BDNF regulation — Intranasal Selank regulates BDNF expression in the hippocampus, linking anxiolytic and neurotrophic effects (Inozemtseva et al., 2008)

Dosing Derivation

Community subcutaneous doses (250–500 mcg) are derived from:

1. Clinical intranasal doses — 250–300 mcg per session in human trials
2. Bioavailability adjustment — SC injection likely provides higher bioavailability than intranasal, so doses are kept similar or slightly higher
3. Conservative approach — Starting at the lower clinical range

Mechanism of Action

Selank works through multiple complementary pathways, distinguishing it from single-target anxiolytics:

Enkephalinase inhibition — Selank potently inhibits enzymes that degrade endogenous enkephalins (endorphin-like peptides). By preventing enkephalin breakdown, it enhances the body's natural anxiolytic and mood-regulating opioid signaling without directly activating opioid receptors (Kost et al., 2001).

GABAergic modulation — Selank influences GABAA receptor function and modulates the expression of genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission, producing benzodiazepine-like anxiolytic effects without the sedation, tolerance, or dependence profile (Kasian et al., 2016).

BDNF upregulation — Intranasal Selank increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus, supporting neuroplasticity and potentially contributing to sustained anxiolytic and cognitive effects (Inozemtseva et al., 2008).

Monoamine modulation — Selank influences serotonin and dopamine metabolism, contributing to mood stabilization and the reported antidepressant-like effects observed in clinical use.

Immunomodulation — As a tuftsin derivative, Selank retains immunomodulatory properties, influencing cytokine production and immune cell function. This may contribute to its effects on stress resilience.

Side Effects & Safety

Selank has a favorable safety profile based on Russian clinical data:

Clinical Safety Data

• No sedation — Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank does not cause drowsiness or cognitive impairment
• No tolerance — Clinical studies found no tolerance development over 14-day courses
• No dependence — No withdrawal symptoms reported upon discontinuation
• No addiction potential — Confirmed in multiple clinical evaluations

Reported Side Effects

Common (mild):

• Mild nasal irritation with intranasal use
• Occasional headache in first 1–2 days
• Slight metallic or bitter taste (intranasal)

Uncommon:

• Mild fatigue or lightheadedness at higher doses
• Slight appetite changes
• Injection site irritation (SC route)

Contraindications

• Pregnancy/breastfeeding — No safety data available
• Active infections — Immunomodulatory effects warrant caution
• Bleeding disorders — Tuftsin derivatives may affect immune/inflammatory pathways

Stacking Selank

Selank is frequently combined with other peptides, particularly for nootropic and stress-management protocols:

Selank + Semax (Classic Russian Nootropic Stack)

The most popular Selank stack, combining anxiolytic and cognitive effects:

• Selank → anxiolytic, calming, GABA modulation
• Semax → cognitive enhancement, BDNF upregulation, focus

Selank + DSIP (Anxiety + Sleep)

For anxiety management with sleep support:

• Selank → daytime anxiety relief
• DSIP → sleep quality improvement, stress hormone regulation

Selank + BPC-157 (Neurological Support)

For comprehensive neurological and gut-brain axis support:

• Selank → anxiolytic, neuroprotective
• BPC-157 → gut-brain axis modulation, dopamine system support

Stacking Considerations

• Start separately — Assess each peptide's effects individually before combining
• Same route convenience — Both Selank and Semax can be used intranasally
• Timing separation — If using multiple nasal sprays, space 10–15 minutes apart

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard Selank dose?

The most common protocol is 200–400 mcg intranasally 2–3 times daily, or 250–500 mcg subcutaneously once daily. Russian clinical studies used 250–300 mcg intranasal doses in 14-day courses.

Is Selank better as a nasal spray or injection?

Nasal spray is the original and most-studied route — Selank was developed and approved in Russia as a nasal formulation. Subcutaneous injection is a community alternative offering potentially more consistent absorption.

How long should a Selank cycle last?

Most protocols run 2–4 weeks on, then 2–4 weeks off. Russian clinical studies typically used 14-day treatment courses. Some users extend to 4 weeks at lower doses.

Does Selank cause dependence like benzodiazepines?

No. Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank does not appear to cause tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal. Clinical studies noted anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation or addiction potential.

Can Selank be stacked with Semax?

Yes — Selank + Semax is a classic Russian nootropic stack. Selank provides anxiolytic and calming effects while Semax adds cognitive stimulation and BDNF upregulation. They work through complementary pathways.

How quickly does Selank work?

Many users report effects within minutes to hours of intranasal administration. Clinical studies showed measurable anxiolytic effects within the first few days of treatment, with full benefits developing over 7–14 days.

Related Guides

• DSIP Dosing Guide — Sleep peptide that pairs well with Selank for anxiety + sleep protocols
• BPC-157 Dosing Guide — Gut-brain axis peptide for neurological stacking
• Peptide Stacking Guide — Principles for combining Selank with other peptides
• SS-31 Dosing Guide — Mitochondrial peptide for comprehensive neuroprotective protocols

References

For educational and research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Selank has clinical approval in Russia but is not FDA-approved. All protocols described are for informational purposes.