Semax Dosing: 1mg SubQ, 2-3x/Week Protocol

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) — the fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone responsible for cognitive effects without hormonal activity. Approved in Russia for cognitive disorders and ischemic stroke, it has documented BDNF upregulation and neuroprotective effects.

Semax is not FDA-approved. It has clinical approval in Russia only. This is not medical advice. For a deeper look at how Semax works, see our Semax benefits guide.

Quick Reference: Standard Protocol

For stack protocols and peptide comparisons, see our peptide stacking guide.

Cycling Details

The standard cycle is 1 mg subcutaneous in the morning, 2-3 days per week, for 8 weeks on / 8 weeks off.

Weeks 1-2 (Assessment): Start at 1 mg, 2 days per week. Assess cognitive response and tolerance. Semax has mild stimulatory effects — dose before cognitive tasks for best results, and avoid late evening dosing.

Weeks 3-8 (Maintenance): Continue at 1 mg, 2-3 days per week based on response. Most users report residual cognitive benefits persisting into the off-cycle.

Semax Variants

• Standard Semax — the original clinically studied heptapeptide
• N-Acetyl Semax (NASA) — acetylated for improved stability and CNS penetration
• N-Acetyl Semax Amidate — further modified for enhanced potency; less clinical data

Routes of Administration

Intranasal spray is the original Russian clinical route. Clinical protocols used 0.1% and 1% solutions. Effects reported within 15-30 minutes of nasal delivery.

Subcutaneous injection is the community alternative, offering more consistent absorption. Standard sites: abdomen, love handles. Use 29-31 gauge insulin syringe.

Reconstitution Quick Reference

Math: 30 mg / 3 mL = 10 mg/mL. For 1 mg: 1 / 10 = 0.1 mL = 10 units.

Swirl gently — do not shake. Refrigerate at 2-8 C, use within 28 days.

Where These Numbers Come From

Semax has a substantial clinical evidence base from Russian research institutions.

Dopaminergic and serotonergic activation: Semax activates brain dopamine and serotonin systems, explaining its nootropic and mood-enhancing effects (Eremin et al., 2005).

BDNF upregulation: A single intranasal dose increases BDNF protein levels 1.4-fold and BDNF mRNA 3-fold in the rat hippocampus, with concurrent trkB receptor activation (Dolotov et al., 2006).

Stroke neuroprotection: Clinical evaluation as a neuroprotective agent in acute ischemic stroke at 100-150 mcg/kg doses, with angioprotective and neurotrophic activity (Gusev et al., 1999). Semax suppresses proinflammatory mediator transcription during brain ischemia (Dergunova et al., 2021).

Stacking Protocols

Watch for overstimulation when combining Semax with caffeine or other stimulants. Keep stimulating stacks to the first half of the day.

Side Effects & Safety

• Low toxicity — extensive preclinical and clinical testing in Russia
• No hormonal effects — unlike full ACTH, Semax does not stimulate cortisol or adrenal activity
• No tolerance reported — clinical courses show consistent efficacy
• Mild nasal irritation — intranasal route
• Slight headache — particularly first 1-2 days
• Mild insomnia — if dosed too late in the day
• Hair loss — rare reports at high doses (may relate to melanocortin receptor activity)
• Contraindications: Pregnancy/breastfeeding, active cancer (BDNF/growth factor concerns), acute psychosis (dopaminergic stimulation)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard Semax dose?

1 mg subcutaneous in the morning, 2-3 days per week. Reconstitute a 30 mg vial with 3 mL BAC water (10 mg/mL) and draw 10 units per dose. Cycle 8 weeks on / 8 weeks off.

How long does Semax take to work?

Most users report cognitive effects within 15-30 minutes of intranasal administration. Full BDNF-related neuroplasticity benefits develop over 1-2 weeks.

What is the difference between Semax and N-Acetyl Semax?

N-Acetyl Semax has an acetyl group for improved stability and CNS penetration. Standard Semax has the most clinical data.

How long should a Semax cycle last?

8 weeks on, 8 weeks off. This maintains receptor sensitivity.

Can Semax be used for stroke recovery?

Semax is approved in Russia for ischemic stroke and has clinical trial data. It is NOT FDA-approved and should not replace standard stroke care.

Is Semax safe for daily use?

Russian clinical data supports short-term daily use (10-30 days). Side effects are mild and uncommon.

Related Guides

• Semax Benefits — 7 cognitive effects ranked by evidence quality
• Semax Results Timeline — Week-by-week expectations
• Selank vs Semax — Which nootropic peptide fits your goals
• Selank Dosing Guide — Anxiolytic peptide for stacking
• DSIP Dosing Guide — Sleep peptide for cognitive recovery
• BPC-157 Dosing Guide — Neuroprotective and gut-brain axis support
• SS-31 Dosing Guide — Mitochondrial peptide for brain energy
• Peptide Stacking Guide — Principles for combining Semax with other peptides
• Calculate Your Semax Cycle Cost — estimate vials needed and total cost for your protocol

References

For educational and research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Semax has clinical approval in Russia but is not FDA-approved.