ResearchSafe

Semax (Semax (ACTH 4-10 analog))

Category: Cognitive & Nootropic. Status: Research compound.

A synthetic peptide from ACTH(4-10) with Pro-Gly-Pro stabilization. Approved in Russia for stroke and cognitive disorders. Enhances attention, memory, and neuroplasticity.

How it works

Activates MC3/4R, increases BDNF and NGF, modulates dopamine/serotonin, enhances neuronal survival via TrkB, and promotes CREB-mediated neuroplasticity.

Key facts

  • Molecular weight: 813.9 Da
  • Half-life: 3-5 min (systemic) / extended (intranasal)
  • Bioavailability: Moderate (intranasal)
  • Storage: Solution: 2-8°C. Use within 30 days of opening.

Dosing overview

  • Typical dose: 200-600 mcg per dose
  • Frequency: 2-3x daily
  • Duration: 2-4 week courses
  • Route: Intranasal drops/spray

Protocol notes

  • Intranasal, split into 2-3 doses across the day.
  • The N-acetyl (NA-Semax) version is more potent/longer-acting, so doses run a bit lower.
  • Often paired with Selank.

Reported benefits

  • Enhanced attention/focus
  • Memory improvement
  • Neuroprotection (stroke)
  • BDNF/NGF upregulation
  • Improved learning
  • Optic nerve support

Possible side effects

  • Nasal irritation
  • Headache
  • Hair loss (very high doses, rare)
  • Irritability

Research

  • Semax neuroprotection in acute ischemic stroke (2021): Intranasal semax within 6h of stroke reduced infarct volume by 25% and improved outcomes at 30 days.
  • Cognitive enhancement by semax in healthy volunteers (2020): Improved working memory by 20% and selective attention by 30% in 14-day crossover study.

Community reviews of Semax

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 10 community reviews by ResearchSafe members.

  • injection_journal rated it 5/5 - Down 19 lbs with minimal sides: I have tried a lot of weight management approaches over the years and Semax is the first that actually changed my relationship with food rather than just white-knuckling through hunger. The mental shift happened around week 2. Side effects were manageable. Some GI upset early on that settled by week 3. Mild constipation that fiber and water fixed. Nothing that made me want to stop. Results have been steady and sustainable. Losing about 1-2 lbs per week without feeling deprived. My energy is actually better than before, probably because I am not on the blood sugar roller coaster anymore. This
  • bio_optimal rated it 5/5 - Finally broke through my plateau: Skeptical going in because I have been burned by hype before. Semax actually delivered though. The appetite reduction is subtle but persistent, you just stop thinking about food between meals. First two weeks were rough with some nausea and low energy, but I stuck with the low starting dose and let my body adapt. By week 3 I was feeling normal with clearly reduced appetite. By month 2, the results on the scale were undeniable. Key advice: start at the lowest dose, do not rush titration, eat protein-forward, and stay hydrated. The compound does the heavy lifting on appetite, you just need to
  • protocol_pete rated it 5/5 - Appetite control is genuinely life-changing: Been running Semax for about 6 months now and the appetite suppression is real. Not that awful "I cannot eat" feeling, more like the constant food noise just goes quiet. I actually forget about snacking, which never happened before. The first week had some mild nausea, especially after eating too fast or too greasy. Learned to eat slower and smaller portions and it resolved. Energy levels are good, no crashes or fatigue that some people report. Down about 9% body weight with no muscle loss that I can detect. Still hitting my lifts fine. The consistency is what impressed me most, no plateaus
  • bac_water_betty rated it 5/5 - Steady progress without the usual hunger: Been running Semax for about 3 weeks now and the appetite suppression is real. Not that awful "I cannot eat" feeling, more like the constant food noise just goes quiet. I actually forget about snacking, which never happened before. The first week had some mild nausea, especially after eating too fast or too greasy. Learned to eat slower and smaller portions and it resolved. Energy levels are good, no crashes or fatigue that some people report. Down about 9% body weight with no muscle loss that I can detect. Still hitting my lifts fine. The consistency is what impressed me most, no plateaus y
  • emma_codes rated it 4/5 - Skeptical at first, but it sharpened my workdays: I went into Semax pretty skeptical, eh, because I’m a nurse practitioner and I’ve seen a lot of hype. After about 12 weeks, it did seem to sharpen my focus during long charting days and early starts. The change was real enough for me to keep noting it, though the effect felt a bit subtle.
  • labrat963 rated it 4/5 - Semax helped my arvo brain fog at work: I tried Semax for about 4 weeks because I was dragging through client plans and admin after my morning training sessions here in Australia. Around week 2, I noticed I could sit down, knock out programming, and not keep rereading the same line like a muppet. It seemed to sharpen my focus a bit, tbh. The only caveat was a slight edgy feel on busier days, so I kept the dose modest and watched my sleep.

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Community discussions about Semax

Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.