Should you use Semax?
One thing that is certain about the effects of Semax is that we know relatively little about them. There is a lack of high-quality research, especially in healthy humans.
Because of the lack of research on Semax, we never recommend that people use it.
If you have already decided to use it, here are some guidelines to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks.
What time of day should you take Semax?
There's no high-quality human evidence available on the effects of Semax on sleep. There's no reason to believe Semax would impair sleep from a scientific perspective when considering its known biochemical mechanisms.
Some users report that Semax is stimulating for them. We have found no reports of people saying it made them more relaxed or sedated. If you use Semax and find it increases your alertness or is stimulating, consider not taking it in the evening to prevent impaired sleep.
Mindful and scientific self-experimentation with reliable and valid objective and subjective measures of sleep quality is the only way to find out if Semax impairs your sleep if taken in the evening.
Which chemical form of Semax should I use?
Semax is usually consumed in one of two different chemical forms:
- Semax
- N-Acetyl Semax Amidate
The reason some people use NA-Semax Amidate instead of the much more studied form, Semax, is because it is believed to improve the absorption of Semax in the brain.
Simple Semax is the chemical form most researched in humans, so we consider it the lowest risk form for now. There is, however, a severe lack of high-quality human safety and efficacy data on which to base decisions regarding which chemical form of Semax to use.
Did you know?
Tyrosine, Carnitine, and Selank are other nootropics sometimes consumed in acetylated chemical forms to improve brain absorption.
Which product form of Semax should I use?
Semax is usually consumed in the form of a nasal spray. Semax nasal spray products usually come with information about how much Selank is in a spray, or "pump".
For example, Science.bio sell a Semax nasal spray product with 200mcg Semax per pump.
It is reportedly an effective cognitive enhancer when administered intranasally [16][17], but much more high-quality research is needed on its efficacy before it can be known for sure if it actually works.
How much and how often should you dose Semax?
Since Semax studies are generally unavailable in full-text format, entailing that the dosages used in these studies are unknown.
Based on anecdotal reports of people posting how they use it online, 50-400mcg appears to result in the most benefits with minimal negative side effects.
It is usually taken daily for less than two weeks in a row. [1]
Is Semax neuroprotective?
It is likely that the neuroprotective effects of Semax depend on what the factor that is damaging neurons in the brain is. For example, lack of oxygen or dangerously high glutamate levels in the brain can lead to increased neuronal death. Semax is likely going to protect your neurons from some forms of neurochemical toxicity but not from everything you might expose your brain to.
Neuroprotective effects from Semax have been found in the following circumstances:
- Insufficient blood flow to specific brain regions (the authors of a rat study concluded that the impact of Semax on the vascular system and its effects on the immune system are key mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective effects) [19][20]
- Insufficient global brain blood flow (in rats) [21][22]
- Drug-induced dopaminergic system neuronal damage (in rats) [23]
- The peptide protected healthy cognitive functioning (specifically learning and memory) in animals exposed to heavy metals, such as lead diacetate and ammonium molybdate, which impaired cognitive functioning when Semax was not administered to the animals (in rats)
According to some scientists that researched Semax, the drug has been used successfully in Russia for treating human patients with severe brain blood flow disorders. [24]
Whether it is a sound approach to use Semax to prevent neuronal damage during specific circumstances in your life is hard to tell from these animal studies. Do not use Semax to prevent or treat any disease without consulting a trusted medical professional. We're not saying this just to avoid legal issues, but also because there may be more researched and effective strategies for brain protection in your situation, which your trusted medical professional can hopefully help you identify and consider.
How does Semax work?
The mechanisms of action of Semax have not yet been fully discovered by researchers.
Scientists have discovered that Semax can exert the following neuropsychopharmacological effects:
-
Stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) synthesis (in animals, undefined species) [25]
-
Increases BDNF in the brain area known as the hippocampus, which is critically involved in learning and memory formation (in cognitively impaired mice) [26]
-
Increases serotonergic system activation and BDNF (in rat hippocampus) [27]
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Inhibited enkephalin-degrading enzymes (human serum) [28]
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Increases dopamine (in the striatum of rats given d-amphetamine, but not in rats not given other drugs) [5]
-
Increases serotonin metabolites (5-HIAA extracellular and tissue content in the striatum of rats) [30]
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Increases levels of BDNF, trkB tyrosine phosphorylation, exon III BDNF and trkB mRNA (in the hippocampus of rats) [32]
How does it feel when you take Semax?
The following qualitative user experience reports and reviews are included to give you an understanding of what the experience of taking Semax is like.
Anecdotal Semax experience reports and reviews from Reddit
Two people reported their consumption of Semax products increased their anxiety. [34]
Another person said they loved the effects after a week of daily use. [35]
A former methamphetamine abuser reported that Semax increased their motivation to socialize. [36]
One user said it was the most effective nootropic they had ever used. [37] They also reported that it:
"... immediately puts you in a "flow" state. It's very stimulating but simultaneously reduces anxiety, even if you're under pressure it feels like you can handle it because your brain is working 30% faster. If you ever meditate, I'd compare the mental state to a good meditation session.
I'm using it mostly to learn programming and Mandarin, and it works great for that" [38]
Several people have reported hair loss as a side effect of Semax use. [39][40][41]
One person reported acute cognitive-enhancing effects. [42]
Two people said they experienced no effects, not even from prolonged use. [43][44]
NA-Semax Amidate had the following effects for one redditor:
"I found it (n-acetyl semax amidate) had mild stimulation and focus effects that lasted a while, but then as it wore off I experienced mood disturbances - elevated irritability in particular. The rebound really wasn't worth it for me ..." [45]
And one user said they had the following effects from Semax:
"I really liked it, I'd do way more than recommended and it would seem like time would slowdown when I moved and my brain would stay at normal speed. Not sure if that's normal lol. What I didn't like about it was the cost and it gave me a sore throat after prolonged use." [46]
Yet another redditor reported the following:
"Didn't lose hair. Did get more done and stay more focused on realistic goals and putting one foot in front of the other. It's useful but I think given the unknowns about it and that I wouldn't want to be taking it all the time ..." [47]
And one person said the following about their experience with Semax:
"I used it for about 2 months; nothing terribly positive, although it is a lot better than other noots I've used. Some more focus and mood lift. Downsides were some pretty reasonable anxiety and I did experience hairloss. Honestly, the hairloss is a fairly big deal breaker for me." [48]
Finally, two people reported increased motivation after the use of Semax. [49]
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