Cellular & Longevity
Semax
Semax — a lab-made copy of a short piece of the ACTH(4-10) hormone
Focus, memory, and brain recovery research
Quick answer
A 10 mg vial with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water makes 5 mg/mL. A 500 mcg dose is 10 units on a U-100 syringe. Most research runs 2 to 4 weeks.
- Mix it
- 10 mg vial + 2 mL water
- Draw
- About 10 units on a U-100 syringe
- How often
- Once or twice a day
- How it is given
- Nasal spray in most research. Some protocols use a shot under the skin.
- How long it lasts
- Very short in the blood, but the effects reported in research last longer.
- Store it
- Refrigerate after mixing. Use within about 4 weeks.
What it is
Full name: Semax — a lab-made copy of a short piece of the ACTH(4-10) hormone. Most people write it as Semax.
Semax is a short peptide first made in Russia. It is studied for attention, memory, and recovery of brain tissue after injury or stroke.
What it is studied for
- Focus and attention
- Memory and learning
- Mood and stress
- Recovery after stroke or head injury
These are things researchers study. They are not promised results.
Dosing at a glance
These are the amounts used most often in research. Always start at the low end.
- Vial size
- 10 mg
- Dose range
- 200 mcg to 600 mcg per dose
- How often
- Once or twice a day
- Cycle length
- 2 to 4 weeks, then a break
- Mix with
- Bacteriostatic water. Semax dissolves easily, so acetic acid is not needed.
- Storage
- Refrigerate after mixing. Use within about 4 weeks.
Week by week
A common way researchers step the dose up. Stay at each step until it feels easy.
| When | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 200-300 mcg once a day | Morning is typical. It can feel stimulating. |
| Weeks 2-3 | 500 mcg once or twice a day | Second dose before early afternoon, not at night. |
| Week 4 | Taper or stop | Take 2 to 4 weeks off before another run. |
This is a reference schedule, not a prescription. Start at the lowest step.
Mixing it
A common setup for Semax is a 10 mg vial with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water.
That makes 5 mg per mL. A 500 mcg dose is about 10 units on a standard insulin syringe.
About the liquid: Bacteriostatic water. Semax dissolves easily, so acetic acid is not needed.
Open this in the calculatorWhat to watch for
- Trouble sleeping if dosed late
- Mild headache in the first few days
Stop and speak to a clinician if anything feels wrong. See the safety page.
Common questions
What is Semax used for in research?
Studies look at focus, memory, mood, and recovery after a stroke or head injury.
Why do people use a nasal spray?
Most published research uses the nose because it reaches the brain quickly.
Can I take it at night?
Most people do not. It can make sleep harder.