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Reviewed by MyPeptideMatch Editorial TeamLast reviewed February 2026Updated February 2026

Semax Dosing Protocol: 5 mg Vial — Cognitive Enhancement & BDNF Guide

Semax ACTH 4-7 analogue dosing guide for the 5 mg vial — cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and ADHD-like symptom management.

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Quickstart highlights

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the ACTH 4-7 sequence developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences.

  • Concentration: 2 mg/mL (5 mg vial + 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water).
  • At 2 mg/mL: 300 µg = 15 units, 600 µg = 30 units once daily (morning).
  • Kolomin et al. 2013: Semax increases hippocampal BDNF mRNA by 50–300% versus controls.
  • Inject in the morning only — stimulating effects may interfere with sleep if dosed afternoon or evening.
  • One 5 mg vial provides ~8 doses at 600 µg — approximately 8 days at once-daily dosing.

Dosing table

For educational reference only. Your prescribing provider may adjust doses based on your clinical profile and response.

WeekDose (µg)UnitsFrequencyNotes
1-230015Once daily (morning)300 µg — 15 units; assess stimulant-like cognitive effects before increasing
3-1060030Once daily (morning)600 µg — 30 units; standard nootropic dose from Russian clinical literature; 5 mg vial provides ~8 doses

Reconstitution steps

  1. Draw 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water; inject slowly down the vial wall.
  2. Swirl gently until powder dissolves; do not shake.
  3. Final concentration: 2 mg/mL. At 2 mg/mL: 300 µg = 15 units, 600 µg = 30 units.
  4. Label with date; refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Use within 28 days.

Supplies needed

4-week plan

  • 1 vial
  • 20 syringes
  • 3 mL bac water
  • 20 alcohol swabs

10-week plan

  • 3 vials
  • 70 syringes
  • 8 mL bac water
  • 70 alcohol swabs
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Protocol overview & cycle notes

Enhance cognitive performance, working memory, and BDNF-mediated neuroplasticity through daily morning Semax subcutaneous injections, leveraging its ACTH 4-7 analogue activity on dopamine and BDNF pathways.

Cycle length: 10 weeks on.

Off-cycle: 4 weeks off after every 10-week cycle.

Storage & handling

Lyophilized: store below 25 °C. Reconstituted at 2 mg/mL: refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within 28 days. Semax can also be administered intranasally (0.1% solution, ~600 µg per 3 drops per nostril).

Injection & tracking tips

  • Inject subcutaneously in the morning (6–9 AM) — Semax produces stimulating, pro-cognitive effects that may interfere with sleep if injected in the evening.
  • Semax increases dopamine and serotonin turnover acutely; users may experience heightened focus, verbal fluency, and motivation within 30–60 minutes.
  • If using Semax alongside Selank: inject Semax in the morning for cognitive drive and Selank in the afternoon for anxiety management.

Tracking

Logging helps you and your provider spot patterns and adjust dose or timing.

  • Measure working memory with digit span or n-back task (free online apps) at baseline and every 4 weeks.
  • Track subjective focus quality (0–10) daily during the first month to establish dose-response.
  • Monitor sleep latency — Semax's stimulating effects may delay sleep onset; shift injection timing earlier if needed.
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How this works & references

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the ACTH 4-7 sequence developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences. It does not have corticotropic effects (no cortisol or adrenal effects) due to the Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension. Semax increases BDNF expression by 50–300% in the hippocampus and frontal cortex (Kolomin et al., 2013), enhances dopamine and serotonin turnover, and reduces oxidative stress via NRF2 pathway activation. It is approved in Russia for cognitive impairment, ischemic stroke, and optic nerve atrophy. Russian clinical trials showed significant improvements in digit span, attention, and verbal fluency at 600 µg daily.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Is Semax a stimulant?
Semax produces stimulant-like cognitive effects (enhanced focus, alertness, verbal fluency) through dopamine and serotonin upregulation, but it is not a traditional stimulant — it does not block dopamine reuptake or cause the cardiovascular effects of amphetamines. The mechanism is primarily BDNF-mediated neuroplasticity enhancement, which produces more sustainable and less addictive cognitive improvement.
Can Semax be used for stroke recovery?
Yes — Semax is approved in Russia for ischemic stroke treatment. Gusev et al. (1997) demonstrated significant neurological improvement in acute ischemic stroke patients receiving Semax versus placebo. The mechanism involves BDNF-driven neuronal survival and synaptogenesis. For compounding use, stroke recovery protocols typically use 600 µg daily for 10-day intensive courses, repeated every 3–4 months.
What is the difference between Semax and NA-Semax Amidate?
Standard Semax has a 20–30 minute half-life. N-Acetyl Semax Amidate (NA-Semax) has an amide modification that increases half-life to approximately 2–4 hours, reducing injection frequency requirements. Some users find NA-Semax more potent per dose, though clinical comparison data is unavailable.
Does Semax help with ADHD symptoms?
Russian research (Jarlstedt et al.) and anecdotal reports suggest Semax improves attention, impulsivity control, and working memory in ADHD-like presentations via dopamine system modulation. No RCTs in ADHD populations have been conducted. Some practitioners use Semax as an adjunct or alternative for patients who do not tolerate stimulant medications.
Can Semax and Selank be stacked?
Yes — this is one of the most commonly reported nootropic stacks: Semax (morning, for cognitive drive and BDNF) + Selank (afternoon, for anxiety modulation and enkephalin normalization). The combination provides cognitive enhancement without the anxiety that some users experience from Semax alone at higher doses.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Dosing and protocols may vary by formulation and prescriber.

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