Cognitive Protocol
SelankComplete Dosing & Administration Guide
A clever brain-boosting peptide derived from your immune system's natural tuftsin molecule—it calms anxiety and sharpens your mind without the drowsiness or addiction risks of traditional anti-anxiety medications.
Dose Range
250-500mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Intranasal
Cycle Length
4-6 weeks
Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
250 mcg
Start here to assess your individual response. Most people notice subtle calming effects within the first few days. The intranasal route is most common for beginners—one spray per nostril delivers approximately 250mcg total.
Standard Dose
300-500 mcg
The most commonly used protocol. Can be taken as a single dose or split into two doses (morning and afternoon). Many users find 400mcg daily provides optimal balance of anxiolytic and cognitive effects.
Advanced Dose
500-750 mcg
Higher doses used in some research protocols. Some users split this into two daily doses. Effects don't necessarily scale linearly with dose—higher isn't always better. Monitor response carefully.
Timing
Best time to take
Morning administration works well for most people since Selank enhances focus and mental clarity during the day. Some users prefer splitting doses between morning and early afternoon. Avoid late evening doses if you notice increased mental alertness.
With food?
Selank can be taken regardless of food timing. Intranasal administration bypasses the digestive system entirely. For injections, food timing doesn't significantly affect absorption.
If stacking
Pairs excellently with Semax for comprehensive cognitive support—they work through complementary mechanisms. If stacking, start with lower doses of each. Can be combined with nootropic supplements like Alpha-GPC. Space injections from other peptides at different sites.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've used the starting dose for 1-2 weeks with good tolerance but minimal effect
- +Stress levels are unusually high and you need additional support
- +Your cognitive demands have increased (exams, important projects)
Decrease if
- -You experience persistent headaches or dizziness
- -Nasal irritation becomes uncomfortable (for intranasal users)
- -You feel overly stimulated or have trouble sleeping
- -Any unexpected or uncomfortable side effects arise
Signs of right dose
- ✓Noticeable reduction in anxious thoughts without sedation
- ✓Improved ability to focus on tasks without mental fog
- ✓Better memory recall and mental clarity
- ✓Stable mood throughout the day
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
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Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)—the preservative keeps it safe for multiple uses
- •Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge) if injecting
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops
- •Nasal spray atomizer bottle (if using intranasally)
- •Your Selank powder vial
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (just under the skin) or intranasal spray—nasal delivery is most popular for Selank due to convenience and rapid absorption to the brain
Best sites
- •Intranasal: One spray per nostril
- •Belly fat area (about 2 inches away from belly button)
- •Front or outer thigh (middle section)
Technique
- 1.For intranasal: Tilt head slightly back, insert tip into nostril, spray while gently inhaling
- 2.For injection: Clean site with alcohol swab and let dry completely
- 3.Pinch about an inch of skin to create a fold
- 4.Insert needle at 45-90 degree angle
- 5.Push plunger slowly and steadily, wait 5 seconds before removing
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Selank has demonstrated a favorable safety profile across multiple Russian clinical studies spanning over two decades. In human trials comparing Selank to traditional anxiolytics like phenazepam, Selank showed comparable anti-anxiety effects with significantly better tolerability and no sedation, dependence, or memory impairment. The peptide has been approved for clinical use in Russia since the 1990s for anxiety and neurasthenia.
Most safety data comes from Russian research conducted at the Institute of Molecular Genetics and V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology. While multiple studies suggest excellent tolerability, large-scale Western clinical trials are still needed for regulatory approval outside Russia. Always work with a healthcare provider when using research compounds.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Nasal irritation
With intranasal use, some users experience mild stinging, dryness, or irritation in the nasal passages.
Management: Alternate nostrils between doses. Use saline spray if needed. Usually improves within a few days as you adjust.
Mild fatigue
Some users report feeling slightly tired in the first few days as their body adjusts to the peptide's calming effects.
Management: This typically resolves within 3-5 days. Ensure adequate sleep and hydration. If persistent, consider reducing dose.
Mild headache
Occasional headaches may occur, especially in the first week of use.
Management: Stay well-hydrated and ensure you're not dehydrated. These usually resolve as your body adapts.
Injection site redness
For those who inject, a small pink or red area at the injection site is normal.
Management: Rotate injection sites. Usually fades within 24-48 hours.
Less Common
- •Vivid dreams
- •Dizziness
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Any signs of allergic reaction—stop immediately and seek medical help
- ×Persistent headaches that don't improve after the first week
- ×Significant nasal problems with intranasal use that don't resolve
- ×Worsening anxiety or mood changes (paradoxical reaction)
- ×Any side effect that feels serious or really concerns you
- ×Your cycle is complete and you're entering a rest period
Selank is approved in Russia but remains a research compound in most other countries. It is not FDA-approved in the United States. Never start, stop, or change your dosing without guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes only—not medical advice.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Excellent pairing—they complement each other beautifully. Semax focuses more on cognitive stimulation while Selank provides anxiolytic support. Often used together in Russian nootropic protocols.
- ✓Safe to combine. BPC-157 focuses on gut and tissue healing, while Selank works on brain function. No known negative interactions.
- ✓Can be used in the same protocol. Different mechanisms—Epithalon works on telomeres while Selank supports cognition.
- ✓Both affect brain chemistry. DSIP promotes sleep while Selank can increase alertness. May have competing effects if taken together.
With medications
- !Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin) - Both affect GABA systems. Potential for enhanced sedation or unpredictable interactions. Consult your doctor before combining.
- !SSRIs/SNRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor) - Potential for interaction as both affect neurotransmitter systems. Inform your doctor and monitor for any mood changes.
- !Sleep medications (Ambien, Lunesta) - May enhance sedation even though Selank itself isn't sedating. Use caution and inform your doctor.
- ✓Blood pressure medications - Monitor blood pressure as Selank can have mild effects on cardiovascular parameters.
With supplements
- ✓L-Theanine - Complementary combination. Both promote calm focus without sedation. Can enhance overall anxiolytic effects.
- ✓Alpha-GPC - Popular nootropic stack. Alpha-GPC provides choline for acetylcholine synthesis while Selank supports broader cognitive function.
- ✓Ashwagandha - Both have adaptogenic and anxiolytic properties. May have additive calming effects—start with lower doses of each.
- ✓Caffeine - Selank may help smooth out caffeine jitters. Generally fine to combine, but monitor your individual response.
Want the Full Picture?
View the complete Selank research profile including mechanism of action, clinical studies, effectiveness timeline, and FAQ.
View Full Selank Profile