Cognitive Protocol
SemaxComplete Dosing & Administration Guide
A brain-boosting peptide that supercharges your cognitive function by ramping up BDNF—the protein your neurons need to grow, connect, and stay sharp—all delivered through a simple nasal spray.
Dose Range
200-900mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Intranasal spray
Cycle Length
4-6 weeks
Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
200-300 mcg
Start low to assess your tolerance and response. The 0.1% nasal solution delivers about 50-100 mcg per drop—typically 2-3 drops per nostril. Most people notice effects within the first few days.
Standard Dose
300-600 mcg
The most commonly used range for cognitive enhancement. Russian clinical protocols typically use 200-600 mcg per day. Take in the morning to avoid sleep interference. Can split into morning and early afternoon doses.
Advanced Dose
600-900 mcg
Higher doses used in clinical settings for stroke recovery and brain injury. The 1% solution (stronger formulation) is sometimes used here. Always work with a healthcare provider at these levels.
Timing
Best time to take
Morning administration works best for most people—Semax increases alertness and focus, so taking it late in the day might interfere with sleep. If splitting doses, take the second one before 2 PM.
With food?
Semax can be taken regardless of food since it's administered nasally and absorbs directly into the brain tissue. Food timing doesn't affect its absorption or effectiveness.
If stacking
Semax pairs excellently with Selank for balanced cognitive and anxiolytic effects. When combining with other nootropics like Noopept, start with lower doses of each. Space different nasal peptides 15-30 minutes apart.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the starting dose well for at least a week
- +Cognitive benefits are subtle and you want stronger effects
- +Your protocol calls for clinical-level dosing under supervision
Decrease if
- -You experience persistent headaches or nasal irritation
- -You feel overstimulated or have trouble sleeping
- -Blood pressure noticeably increases
- -Any uncomfortable side effects develop
Signs of right dose
- ✓Noticeably improved focus and concentration
- ✓Better memory recall throughout the day
- ✓Clearer thinking without feeling wired or anxious
- ✓Stable mood and motivation
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
Find the weight printed on your peptide vial label
Look here!
The peptide weight is printed on the label
Look here!
The weight is on the label
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) or sterile saline for nasal use
- •Empty nasal spray bottle (if making your own spray)
- •Insulin syringes (if using subcutaneous route)
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops
- •Your Semax powder vial
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (alternative to nasal) or intranasal spray (preferred for cognitive effects)
Best sites
- •Intranasal: One spray in each nostril (most common method)
- •Belly fat area (for subcutaneous injection)
- •Front or outer thigh (for subcutaneous injection)
Technique
- 1.For nasal spray: Gently blow your nose first to clear passages
- 2.Tilt head slightly forward (not back) to prevent throat drainage
- 3.Insert spray tip into nostril and aim toward outer wall
- 4.Press pump while inhaling gently through the nose
- 5.Avoid sniffing hard—this can push the peptide past the absorption zone
- 6.For subcutaneous: Clean site, pinch skin, inject at 45-90 degrees
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Semax has been used clinically in Russia for over 25 years with an excellent safety profile. It's approved there for treating stroke, cognitive impairment, and optic nerve diseases. Studies consistently show minimal side effects, mostly limited to mild nasal irritation when using the spray form. Unlike stimulants, Semax doesn't appear to cause tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms even with extended use.
Most human safety data comes from Russian clinical use and research. While well-documented in Russian medical literature, large-scale Western clinical trials are limited. The peptide's mechanism (BDNF enhancement) is well-understood and considered relatively safe. Always work with a healthcare provider when using research compounds.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Nasal irritation
When using the nasal spray, some users experience mild dryness, irritation, or occasional sneezing. This is the most frequently reported side effect.
Management: Use saline spray before Semax to moisturize passages. Alternate nostrils. If persistent, try lower concentration or subcutaneous route.
Mild headache
Some users report mild headaches, particularly during the first few days of use. This typically resolves as your body adjusts.
Management: Stay well-hydrated. Start with lower doses. If headaches persist beyond a week, reduce dose or discontinue.
Increased alertness
Semax promotes wakefulness and focus—which is usually the point! But this can interfere with sleep if taken too late in the day.
Management: Take all doses before 2 PM. If you're sensitive, stick to morning-only dosing.
Less Common
- •Temporary blood pressure increase
- •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 blood pressure increases that concern you or your doctor
- ×Sleep disruption that doesn't resolve with earlier dosing
- ×Any side effect that feels serious or significantly impacts your quality of life
- ×Your planned cycle or research protocol is complete
Semax is a research compound not FDA-approved in the United States (though it is approved in Russia). 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—Selank adds anxiolytic effects while Semax provides cognitive boost. Together they offer balanced brain enhancement. Can use both nasally, spaced 15-30 minutes apart.
- ✓Both enhance cognition through different mechanisms. Start with lower doses of each when combining. Monitor for overstimulation.
- ✓Safe to combine. BPC-157 offers healing properties while Semax provides cognitive benefits—complementary without interaction.
- ✓No known interactions. GHK-Cu works on tissue repair while Semax targets cognition—different pathways, safe together.
With medications
- !Stimulant medications (Adderall, Ritalin) - Effects may be additive. Use caution and lower doses. Inform your prescriber.
- !MAO inhibitors - Semax affects monoamine systems (dopamine, serotonin). Combining with MAOIs could cause unpredictable effects. Avoid.
- ✓Blood pressure medications - Semax may temporarily affect blood pressure. Monitor readings and inform your doctor.
- ✓Diabetes medications - Minor glucose effects noted in some diabetic patients. Monitor blood sugar more closely.
With supplements
- ✓Alpha-GPC - Synergistic pairing—Alpha-GPC provides choline for acetylcholine synthesis, complementing Semax's BDNF effects. Great cognitive stack.
- ✓Caffeine - Safe in moderate amounts. High doses may cause overstimulation when combined with Semax. Keep caffeine reasonable.
- ✓L-Theanine - Excellent addition—L-Theanine smooths out any jitteriness while preserving focus benefits.
- ✓Fish oil (Omega-3s) - Complementary for brain health. Omega-3s support neuronal membrane health alongside Semax's BDNF effects.
Want the Full Picture?
View the complete Semax research profile including mechanism of action, clinical studies, effectiveness timeline, and FAQ.
View Full Semax Profile