Semax is a nootropic & neuropeptide delivered as a nasal spray, used in integrative and performance medicine to support focus, memory, mental clarity and overall cognitive performance. Developed from a short fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that has been modified to remove the steroid-producing effects, Semax is designed to act directly on the brain, where it influences neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitter balance and blood flow in key cognitive regions. Many people describe the effect as feeling more switched on, sharper and mentally organised, without the wired or jittery feeling associated with strong stimulants.

By modulating pathways such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and related signalling cascades, Semax is often used in programs aimed at improving concentration, learning efficiency, information processing and mental stamina. It can be particularly appealing to people with demanding cognitive loads – entrepreneurs, professionals, students or anyone whose day requires deep thinking, problem-solving and rapid context switching – who want a cleaner, more sustainable kind of mental support than endless caffeine or energy drinks. Because it is delivered intranasally, Semax can reach the central nervous system relatively quickly, making it suitable for structured daily use or targeted use around periods of intense mental work.

Clinically, Semax is not positioned as a cure for ADHD, dementia, brain injury or depression, but rather as an adjunctive tool in a broader brain-health approach that can also include sleep optimisation, nervous-system regulation, nutritional strategies, movement, and, where appropriate, medication and psychological support.

It is important for clients to understand that Semax is an emerging peptide therapy with growing but still limited long-term human data, and that its best role is as one part of a comprehensive plan to support cognitive function, productivity and long-term brain health, rather than a stand-alone “smart drug” solution.

When used as directed and as part of a complete brain-health and lifestyle plan, clients commonly use Semax to help support:

Sharper focus and concentration

Supporting the ability to stay on task, reduce distractibility and hold attention for longer periods during work, study or complex projects.

Memory, learning and recall

Assisting with learning new information, retaining details and recalling what’s needed under pressure (e.g. exams, presentations, high-responsibility roles).

Mental clarity and processing speed

Helping reduce brain fog and supporting clearer thinking, faster mental processing and more efficient problem-solving.

Cognitive stamina and productivity

Supporting the ability to sustain mental effort across long days, big workloads or intense “deep work” blocks without feeling as mentally drained.

Motivation and drive

In some individuals, Semax is used to help support a more engaged, proactive mindset, which can make it easier to start and complete important tasks.

Mood stability and stress resilience

Assisting the brain’s stress-response systems so that day-to-day stress feels more manageable, with less emotional volatility and better overall resilience.

*Individual results vary. Semax is not a cure for diagnosed mental health or neurocognitive conditions and works best as an adjunct to a broader plan that may include lifestyle changes, therapy and/or medication where appropriate.

Active Ingredient

Semax peptide

Nasal Spray Strengths

Semax 0.1%

100 mcg/mL

Approx. 0.1 mL per spray

Bottle size: 6 mL

Semax 0.75%

750 mcg/mL

Approx. 0.1 mL per spray

Bottle size: 6 mL

Semax 1%

1,000 mcg/mL

Approx. 0.1 mL per spray

Bottle size: 3 mL

Protocol & Standard Dosing

General dosing

Dose:

Typically 1 spray per nostril at each use (your clinic can also direct 2 sprays per nostril in selected cases).

Frequency

 1–2 times daily, as directed by the prescribing practitioner.

Timing:

Common patterns include morning and, if using twice daily, early afternoon to support daytime cognition and avoid interference with sleep.

Some protocols may use Semax before intense study, work blocks or cognitive tasks.

How to Use Semax Nasal Spray

• Gently blow your nose if needed.
• Shake the bottle if directed.
• Insert the nozzle into one nostril, aiming slightly outward and back.
• Press the pump to deliver one spray, then repeat in the other nostril.
• For higher prescribed doses, a second spray per nostril may be used as instructed.
• Try not to sniff too hard immediately; allow the mist to coat the nasal passages.
• Do not exceed the total daily number of sprays recommended by your clinician, and do not share your spray with others.

Side Effects, Reactions & Medical Contraindications

Use is generally not recommended in:

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Semax or any component of the nasal spray base
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
• Significant uncontrolled psychiatric conditions, such as severe depression, psychosis or marked mood instability, without specialist involvement
• Serious or chronic nasal/sinus disease (e.g. recurrent infections, major structural issues) without medical review
• Individuals taking multiple CNS-active medications (stimulants, sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics) without prescriber oversight
• A full medical history, medication list and mental-health background should be reviewed by the clinician before Semax is prescribed.

Common Side Effects and Adverse Reactions – Most side effects are mild and transient when they occur. 

• These can include nasal irritation such as burning, tingling, dryness, runny nose or congestion, mild headache or a sense of pressure in the head, light-headedness or a slightly “sped up” feeling if the dose is too high or taken too late in the day, and occasionally mild nausea or stomach discomfort. A small number of people may notice initial sleep disturbance if Semax is used too close to bedtime or if excessive doses are taken, which usually improves with dose adjustment and earlier timing.

If any of these symptoms are persistent, troublesome or worrying, clients should contact their healthcare provider to discuss adjusting the dose, changing timing or pausing use.

Reactions Requiring Medical Attention

Use should be stopped and medical attention sought (or emergency services called if severe) if there are signs of a serious allergic reaction such as widespread rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Medical review is also important if there are severe or unusual neurological symptoms such as intense headache, confusion, disorientation, sudden changes in vision or motor control, or if mood significantly worsens, including the emergence of suicidal thoughts or marked agitation. Any new or rapidly worsening symptom that feels serious, unusual or concerning should prompt medical review.

Safety Note

Semax is an emerging neurocognitive peptide with promising research for supporting brain function, but long-term safety and outcome data are still developing. It should only be used under the guidance of a qualified clinician who can help position it appropriately within a wider program focused on sleep, stress, nutrition, movement and mental health. It is not a replacement for established treatments where those are indicated, and it should be viewed as an adjunctive tool to support cognitive performance, not as a stand-alone cure or biohacking shortcut.

Safety Note: Long‑term data is limited. Use should always be monitored by a qualified clinician, with regular reviews and ongoing medical supervision.  Informed consent is essential.