Semax Cognitive Protocol
Focus and cognitive-performance support
Overview
Semax is a synthetic ACTH-fragment peptide most studied intranasally, where it partly reaches the brain directly via nasal mucosa transport rather than relying solely on systemic circulation. Research comparing routes head-to-head found both intranasal and parenteral (injected) administration produce nootropic and analgesic effects, but intranasal is more potent per microgram — so a subcutaneous protocol generally runs a higher per-dose amount than a nasal one to reach a comparable effect. Most vendors, including this one, sell Semax as a lyophilized vial for reconstitution rather than a pre-made nasal spray, so subcutaneous injection is the direct-from-vial route; some users instead draw the reconstituted solution into their own nasal atomizer if they prefer that route. Used on an as-needed basis for focus/cognitive tasks rather than as a continuous daily regimen — many users cycle days on and off based on need.
Dosing schedule
Informational only — not medical advice.
| Phase | Amount | Frequency | Timing | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subcutaneous — standard | 300–500 mcg | 1x/day, as needed | AM | subcutaneous injection |
| Intranasal — standard | 2–3 sprays (approx. 0.5–1 mg) from a self-prepared atomizer | 1x/day, as needed | AM | nasal |
Administration
Reconstitute the vial with bacteriostatic water. For subcutaneous use, draw with a standard insulin syringe and inject as with any other peptide vial. For intranasal use, the reconstituted solution needs to be transferred into a separate nasal atomizer bottle — it does not ship pre-loaded as a spray. Store the reconstituted solution refrigerated between uses either way.
Cycle length
2 weeks on, 1 weeks off. Many users report a subjective "plateau" with continuous daily use and prefer cycling on/off.
Stacking
- Selank — Frequently combined — Semax for focus, Selank for calm; community convention treats them as complementary rather than redundant.
Precautions
- Can cause mild jitteriness/overstimulation in sensitive individuals, especially at higher doses.
- Subcutaneous and intranasal doses are not interchangeable milligram-for-milligram — the nasal route is more potent per microgram, so don’t apply a nasal dose expectation to an injected one or vice versa.
- Limited long-term human safety data outside its origin (post-stroke) research population.