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Cognitive & Mood Support (Semax + Selank)

Alternating 2-week cycles of Semax (focus, drive) and Selank (anxiolytic, calm) for cognitive performance.

Cognitive & mood Intermediate Cycle: Alternating 2-week cycles — 8-week total pattern

Overview

Semax is a synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue developed in Russia for stroke recovery; low doses are used for focus and alertness. Selank is a synthetic tuftsin analogue with anxiolytic and nootropic effects. Alternating cycles exploit complementary profiles without receptor saturation. Both delivered intranasally.

Dose schedule

Phase	Dose & route	Notes
Weeks 1–2 — Semax	300 mcg intranasal (one drop each nostril), 2–3× daily during waking hours.	Pick morning / mid-day timing. Avoid late evening (can disrupt sleep).
Weeks 3–4 — Selank	300 mcg intranasal, 2× daily.	Anxiolytic focus. Can be used morning or evening based on stress profile.
Weeks 5–6 — Semax	Repeat Semax block.	Receptor downregulation less likely with alternation vs continuous.
Weeks 7–8 — Selank	Repeat Selank block.	End of 8-week pattern.
Weeks 9–12 — Off	No peptides.	Full washout before repeating the 8-week pattern.

Bloodwork cadence

Timing	Panel
Baseline	CBC, CMP, TSH, cortisol AM, Vitamin D
Week 8	Repeat only if symptoms suggest something off.

Expected timeline

Day 1: Semax: subtle focus boost often reported within 30 minutes.
Day 3: Selank: reduced background anxiety typically noticeable by day 3.
Week 2: End of first block. Effects often most pronounced in weeks 1–2, then stabilise.
Week 8: End of 8-week pattern. Assess what to continue, what to drop.

Red flags — stop and reassess

Insomnia from late-evening Semax dosing — move all doses to before 3 PM.
Any history of psychiatric medication adjustment should involve a prescriber before stacking.
Nasal irritation, nosebleeds, or persistent rhinitis — pause and rotate nostrils.

Contraindications

Uncontrolled psychiatric illness without prescriber oversight.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Chronic nasal pathology (polyps, severe deviation) — intranasal absorption unreliable.

Linked resources

Sources

Educational use only. This protocol summarises published trial schedules, FDA labelling, and widely-referenced research-community practice. Doses, cycle lengths, and bloodwork recommendations should be reviewed with a qualified prescriber before use in any human. Several peptides discussed are not approved for human administration in most jurisdictions.