Semax Dosage Chart: 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.

Research-context information only. Semax is a research peptide. Protocols, doses, and reactions reported below come from published research and self-reported community sources. This article reports what has been documented, not what should be done. Consult a licensed physician for personal medical decisions.

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): Documented protocols begin at 1 mg, 2 days per week, to gauge cognitive response and tolerance. Semax has mild stimulatory effects — community sources describe dosing before cognitive tasks and avoiding late evening dosing.

Weeks 3-8 (Maintenance): Continue at 1 mg, 2-3 days per week based on response. Community sources commonly describe 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.

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Reconstitution Quick Reference

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

Community protocols describe gentle swirling — not shaking — to avoid degradation, with storage at 2–8°C and 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

Overstimulation is reported when Semax is combined with caffeine or other stimulants. Community sources describe keeping 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 documented — Russian clinical trial data report consistent efficacy across documented course durations
• Mild nasal irritation — intranasal route
• Slight headache — particularly first 1-2 days
• Mild insomnia — if dosed too late in the day
• Hair loss — community sources describe rare reports at elevated doses, speculatively attributed to melanocortin receptor activity
• Clinical exclusion criteria (from Russian trial protocols): Pregnancy/breastfeeding, active malignancy (BDNF/growth-factor interactions noted), acute psychosis (dopaminergic stimulation). Trial protocols excluded subjects with these profiles.

mg to Units Conversion

On a standard 100-unit insulin syringe, each "unit" equals 0.01 mL (so 100 units = 1 mL). Once Semax is reconstituted, the conversion from a target dose to syringe units depends on the chosen dilution.

The two reconstitution ratios most often described in community protocols are below.

Reconstitution A: 30 mg vial + 3 mL BAC water (10 mg/mL) — the standard dilution from the Quick Reference above.

Reconstitution B: 30 mg vial + 5 mL BAC water (6 mg/mL) — more BAC water for larger, easier-to-measure draws.

These conversions reflect the dilutions documented in community reconstitution protocols. They report how the math is described, not a recommended dosing schedule.