Semax (30 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Semax is a synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog developed in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotective peptide. Used in stroke recovery and cognitive enhancement protocols.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous (or intranasal) | Frequency: Once daily | Half-life: ~30 minutes (CNS effects last 24h)
Standard Approach (3 mL = 10 mg/mL)
Reconstituting with 3 mL bacteriostatic water produces a concentration of 10 mg/mL. Volume per dose changes with concentration; mg dose itself does not change between vial sizes.
| Phase / Protocol | Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Doses per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 (titration) | 300 mcg | 3 units | 0.03 mL | 100 doses |
| Weeks 3–4 | 500 mcg | 5 units | 0.05 mL | 60 doses |
| Weeks 5–6 | 600 mcg | 6 units | 0.06 mL | 50 doses |
| Weeks 7–8 (target) | 800 mcg | 8 units | 0.08 mL | 37 doses |
Reconstitution Steps
- Wipe the vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol; let dry.
- Draw 3 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the peptide vial. Do not aim at the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 30 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 600 mcg per dose, once daily (7 doses/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Semax (30 mg) vials | 2 vials | 2 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 56 | 84 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 1 × 10 mL | 1 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Protocol Overview
Semax cycles run 2–4 weeks for cognitive enhancement protocols, longer (8+ weeks) for stroke-recovery applications. The intranasal route is standard; the peptide crosses the blood-brain barrier through olfactory pathways.
Effects on attention and processing typically appear within 30–60 minutes of dosing and persist 12–24 hours.
Dosing Protocol
Daily intranasal dosing:
- Light (300 mcg, once daily): Maintenance / cognitive support.
- Standard (600 mcg, twice daily): Most-cited research dose.
- Higher (1 mg, 2–3× daily): Stroke recovery protocols.
Cycle structure: 2–4 weeks for cognitive enhancement; 8+ weeks for stroke recovery. 2-week breaks between cycles.
Timing: Morning dose for daytime cognitive effect. Avoid late-evening — mild stimulant effect.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 30 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) lacking corticotropic activity but retaining and amplifying neurotropic effects. It upregulates BDNF and NGF (nerve growth factor), modulates dopamine and serotonin systems, and exerts neuroprotective effects in ischemia models.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Nootropic — improved attention, memory, and processing in trials.
- Stroke recovery — used in Russian clinical protocols.
- Neuroprotective in animal ischemia models.
- Anti-anxiety and mood effects.
Side Effect Profile
- Generally well-tolerated.
- Mild nasal irritation (intranasal).
- Headache occasionally reported.
Lifestyle Factors
- Cycled use (4-week on, 2-week off) is typical.
- Intranasal absorption supports CNS delivery.
- Adequate sleep amplifies cognitive benefits.
Injection Technique
- Intranasal (most common) or subcutaneous.
- Rotate sites if sub-Q.