Semax

Structure: Synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) fragment with a Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension for stability. Nootropic with neuroprotective properties.

Dosage:

• Cognitive enhancement: 200-600mcg/day intranasal or SubQ
• Standard SubQ: 500mcg-1mg/day for 4-8 weeks
• Intensive (post-stroke, clinical): up to 6mg/day for 10-day courses

Administration:

• Intranasal (nasal spray) is the traditional Russian administration method
• SubQ injection is also effective
• Morning dosing preferred — may cause restlessness if taken late

Key Notes:

• Increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) — promotes neuroplasticity, learning, and memory
• Approved pharmaceutical in Russia (as nasal drops) for cognitive dysfunction and stroke recovery
• Neuroprotective: may protect against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity
• No addiction potential or tolerance — safe for extended use
• Bodybuilding relevance: cognitive focus during training, recovery from brain fog (e.g., Trenbolone-related cognitive sides), stress resilience
• Stimulatory but not anxiogenic — provides clean mental energy without jitteriness
• N-Acetyl Semax Amidate (NASA / NA-Semax): a modified analog with N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation. These structural changes resist enzymatic degradation, extending the duration of action by roughly 2 to 3 fold over plain Semax. Mechanism is the same; doses tend to be similar or slightly lower (200 to 500mcg/day intranasal). Subjective effect onset is comparable; perceived duration is longer. Sold by the same vendors as plain Semax, often at a meaningful price premium. Treated here as a variant of Semax rather than a separate compound because the receptor pharmacology is unchanged.
• Monitor: blood pressure (mild fluctuations possible)