Selank vs Semax
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin developed in Russia. It is a potent anxiolytic that reduces anxiety and enhances cognitive function without sedation or addiction. It is approved for clinical use in Russia for anxiety disorders.
- Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH developed in Russia. It is a potent nootropic that enhances memory, focus, and provides neuroprotection. Approved in Russia for cognitive disorders, stroke recovery, and traumatic brain injury.
- Half-Life
- Minutes (but effects persist for hours)
- Minutes (but effects persist for hours via BDNF induction)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Intranasal, SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 250–500 mcg
- 0.25–1 mg (250–1000 mcg)
- Frequency
- 1–3 times daily
- 1–2 times daily
- Key Benefits
- Reduces anxiety without sedation
- Enhances memory and learning
- Improves focus and concentration
- Stabilizes mood
- Reduces physiological stress response
- May enhance motivation
- No addiction potential or withdrawal
- Fast-acting — effects within 20–30 minutes
- Approved clinically in Russia for anxiety disorders
- Enhances memory and learning
- Improves focus and concentration
- Increases mental energy and motivation
- Provides neuroprotection via BDNF and NGF upregulation
- Reduces cognitive decline
- May alleviate ADHD symptoms
- Supports recovery from brain injury and stroke
- Fast-acting — effects within 30–60 minutes
- Approved in Russia for cognitive disorders and stroke recovery
- Side Effects
- Mild sedation at higher doses (paradoxical)
- Fatigue (rare)
- Irritability during discontinuation (uncommon)
- Headache (rare, often from higher doses)
- Anxiety or overstimulation at high doses
- Sleep disruption if dosed too late
- Irritability (uncommon)
- Stacks With
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