Semax + Selank Complete Course Guide
Semax + Selank — Complete Course Guide
Overview
Semax
- Synthetic peptide derived from ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) fragment 4-10, with added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence
- Developed in Russia, approved there for clinical use since the 1990s
- Primary research applications: cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, BDNF increase, focus, memory, stroke recovery
- Mechanism: Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), modulates dopamine and serotonin, enhances neuroplasticity
- Nootropic (cognitive enhancer) — think of it as focus and mental performance peptide
Selank
- Synthetic peptide derived from tuftsin (an immunomodulatory peptide), with added Pro-Gly-Pro stability sequence
- Also developed in Russia, clinically approved there
- Primary research applications: anxiety reduction, mood stabilisation, cognitive support, immune modulation
- Mechanism: Enhances GABA system (calming), modulates serotonin, reduces anxiety without sedation, immune-supporting
- Anxiolytic (anxiety reducer) — think of it as calm focus and emotional balance peptide
Why Combine Them
- Semax = accelerator (focus, BDNF, mental energy, cognitive drive)
- Selank = stabiliser (anxiety reduction, emotional balance, calm clarity)
- Together = sharp focus WITHOUT the anxiety, enhanced learning with emotional stability
- They target different neurotransmitter systems, so they complement rather than compete
Administration Routes
Both can be administered:
- Intranasal (most popular): Fastest onset (5-15 minutes), shorter duration (3-4 hours). Spray or drops into nose.
- Subcutaneous (SubQ): Slower onset (30-60 minutes), longer duration (6-8 hours). Standard injection.
For intranasal use, you'll need nasal spray bottles (available from pharmacies). Reconstitute as normal, then transfer to nasal spray bottle.
Starter Course
Semax
- Dose: 200mcg per administration
- Frequency: 1-2 times daily (morning, optionally early afternoon)
- Duration: 10-14 days (SHORT cycles — this is not a peptide you run for months)
- Reconstitution: 5mg + 2mL BAC water = 2,500mcg/mL
- SubQ units: 200mcg ÷ 2,500 = 0.08mL = 8 units (100u syringe)
- Intranasal: ~2 sprays per nostril (calibrated spray bottle)
Selank
- Dose: 250mcg per administration
- Frequency: 1-2 times daily
- Duration: 10-14 days
- Reconstitution: 5mg + 2mL BAC water = 2,500mcg/mL
- SubQ units: 250mcg ÷ 2,500 = 0.1mL = 10 units (100u)
Combined Starter
| Time | Semax | Selank | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 200mcg | 250mcg | SubQ or intranasal |
| Early afternoon (optional) | 200mcg | 250mcg | Intranasal preferred |
-
Week 1: Enhanced focus and reduced background anxiety. Mental clarity improving. Subtle but noticeable.
-
Week 2: Peak cognitive effects. Learning capacity enhanced. Emotional stability improved.
-
End of cycle: Take equal time off (10-14 days) before next cycle.
-
Doses per vial (each): 5,000mcg ÷ 200-250mcg = 20-25 doses
-
Cost per day: ~£0.80 each × 2 = ~£1.60/day combined
-
Vials for one cycle: 1 vial of each (with doses remaining for next cycle)
Intermediate Course
Semax: 400mcg, 1-2× daily (16 units per dose)
Selank: 500mcg, 1-2× daily (20 units per dose)
- Duration: 10-14 days on, equal off
- When to move up: After 1-2 starter cycles, wanting stronger cognitive effects
- Doses per vial: 12-13 per peptide
- Cost per day: ~£3.00 combined
Advanced Course
Semax: 600mcg, 2× daily (24 units per dose)
Selank: 750mcg, 2× daily (30 units per dose)
- Duration: 10-14 days strictly
- For: High-demand periods (exams, deadlines, critical work sprints)
- Stacking: Can add CJC-1295+Ipamorelin (before bed) for GH-mediated brain recovery
- Cycling is ESSENTIAL at this dose — do not exceed 14 days without a break
Critical: Cycling Protocol
Unlike most peptides, Semax and Selank require SHORT cycles:
| Cycle | Duration | Break |
|---|---|---|
| On | 10-14 days | — |
| Off | 10-14 days (equal to on period) | Reset receptors |
| Repeat | As needed | — |
Why short cycles? Both peptides modulate neurotransmitter systems. Extended use can lead to receptor adaptation, diminishing returns, and potential rebound effects when stopping. The short cycle preserves effectiveness.
Reconstitution
- Both: 5mg + 2mL BAC water = 2,500mcg/mL
- Both dissolve easily, clear solution
- For intranasal: Reconstitute as normal, then use a clean syringe to transfer measured amount to nasal spray bottle
- Label carefully — both look identical once reconstituted
- Refrigerate, use within 28 days
Dose Reference Table
| Peptide | Course | Dose | Units (100u) | Doses/Vial | Cost/Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semax | Starter | 200mcg | 8 units | 25 | ~£0.80 |
| Semax | Intermediate | 400mcg | 16 units | 12 | ~£1.67 |
| Semax | Advanced | 600mcg | 24 units | 8 | ~£2.50 |
| Selank | Starter | 250mcg | 10 units | 20 | ~£1.00 |
| Selank | Intermediate | 500mcg | 20 units | 10 | ~£2.00 |
| Selank | Advanced | 750mcg | 30 units | 6 | ~£3.33 |
Side Effects & Safety
Semax
Common: Mild headache (first 1-2 days), slight nasal irritation (intranasal), increased appetite Less Common: Overstimulation/restlessness (reduce dose), insomnia (don't dose after 3pm), irritability When to Stop: Persistent headache, significant mood changes, insomnia
Selank
Common: Mild drowsiness initially (adjusts within days), nasal irritation (intranasal), mild fatigue Less Common: Vivid dreams, slight dizziness, emotional sensitivity When to Stop: Excessive sedation, persistent fatigue, mood instability
Contraindications (Both)
- Bipolar disorder or severe mood disorders (both modulate neurotransmitters)
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Currently on psychiatric medications (SSRIs, benzodiazepines) — consult healthcare provider
- Active seizure disorders
Supplies Needed
- Syringes: 0.3mL (30 unit) for best precision
- Nasal spray bottles (if using intranasal — available from pharmacies)
- BAC water: 10mL vial
- Alcohol swabs, sharps bin
- Vials: 1 of each per cycle (may last 2 cycles at starter dose)
Best Use Cases
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Exam preparation | Combined stack, 10-day cycle before exams |
| Work deadline sprint | Semax focus, Selank for stress management |
| General cognitive maintenance | Starter doses, cycle monthly |
| Anxiety with brain fog | Start Selank solo first, add Semax week 2 |
| Creative work | Combined — Semax for BDNF/creativity, Selank for flow state |
Ready to Start?
⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is for research and educational purposes only. Peptide Shop UK sells peptides strictly for research use. This content does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any research protocol.