VIP vs Semax
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with profound anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and immunomodulatory effects. It plays a critical role in gut motility, circadian rhythm, and immune tolerance. Used therapeutically for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), MCAS, and inflammatory conditions.
- 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
- ~2 minutes in plasma (rapidly degraded by peptidases); intranasal delivery may extend local CNS effects
- Minutes (but effects persist for hours via BDNF induction)
- Admin Route
- Intranasal, SubQ, IV
- Intranasal, SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 50 mcg (4 sprays of 12.5 mcg each)
- 0.25–1 mg (250–1000 mcg)
- Frequency
- 4x daily
- 1–2 times daily
- Key Benefits
- Potent anti-inflammatory for CIRS and mold illness
- Improves pulmonary hypertension symptoms
- Regulates gut motility and IBS symptoms
- Modulates circadian rhythm and sleep quality
- Reduces mast cell activation (MCAS)
- Improves cognitive function in neuroinflammatory conditions
- Vasodilatory — reduces vascular resistance
- 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
- Facial flushing (transient, intranasal)
- Mild nausea
- Headache at initiation
- Hypotension at high doses
- +1 more
- 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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