Semax vs Selank: Nootropic Peptides for Focus, Anxiety, and Calm

Semax and Selank are two Russian-developed peptides that work well together but do fundamentally different things. Both are typically used as nasal sprays, both have clinical applications in Russia, and both affect brain function — but through different mechanisms.

The short version:

• Selank is for anxiety reduction and calm without sedation — the bigger of the two in terms of search interest and clinical use for anxiety
• Semax is for focus, mental clarity, and cognitive enhancement

Many people use them together: Semax for sharpness, Selank to take the edge off. This guide covers what each peptide is, how they compare, how to dose them (including the N-Acetyl variants like Adamax), and when to use one versus the other (or both).

Quick Comparison: Semax vs Selank

What Selank Is (And What It Does for Anxiety)

Selank was developed from tuftsin, an immune-modulating peptide. Researchers discovered it had potent anti-anxiety effects without the sedation or dependency of traditional anxiolytics like benzodiazepines.

In Russia, Selank is registered as a pharmaceutical for anxiety disorders (PubMed 18454096). It's been studied in randomized controlled trials against benzodiazepine comparators — and performed comparably without the sedation or dependency downsides.

Selank Peptide Benefits

Anxiety reduction without sedation
The core appeal of Selank: it can significantly reduce anxiety while leaving you mentally clear. No brain fog, no sluggishness, no emotional flattening. This is what separates it from benzos and many SSRIs.

Calmer stress response
People describe feeling less reactive — situations that would normally spike anxiety feel more manageable. The "threat tone" is lower.

Easier sleep onset
When anxiety is what's keeping you awake, Selank can help. It's not a sedative, but if racing thoughts are the problem, calming them down helps you fall asleep.

Cleaner focus (secondary)
By reducing anxiety-driven distraction, Selank can indirectly improve focus. When your brain isn't constantly scanning for threats, it has more capacity for the task at hand.

How Selank Works

Selank modulates GABA, the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. But unlike benzodiazepines that directly force GABA receptors open (causing sedation and dependency), Selank adjusts the system more gently.

It also has neuro-immune effects — reducing inflammatory signaling that can keep the nervous system stuck in "alarm mode." This is particularly relevant for anxiety that's connected to chronic stress or inflammatory states.

Key difference from benzos: Benzodiazepines are like slamming the brakes. Effective, but you lose precision and build tolerance fast. Selank is like recalibrating the brake system so you don't need as much pressure to slow down.

Selank Dosage

Intranasal spray is the standard delivery method for Selank.

Typical selank dosage:

Timing: Morning is common for all-day calm. Some people add an afternoon dose if anxiety tends to return. Late-day dosing is generally fine — Selank isn't stimulating like Semax.

Cycling: Less rigid than Semax. Many people use 2-6 weeks daily, then taper to as-needed.

Timeline to effects: Some people feel calmer within hours of the first dose. For others, it's more subtle and builds over days.

What Is Semax? (Cognitive Enhancement Peptide)

Semax was developed in Russia in the 1980s for stroke recovery and brain injury. Researchers discovered it also improved cognitive function in healthy people. It's now used in Russia for attention disorders, memory issues, and cognitive rehabilitation.

Semax Peptide Benefits

Focus and mental clarity
Semax helps with the kind of focus that lets you start tasks, stay on them, and push through complex work. People describe it as "turning down the noise" — less mental static, clearer thinking.

Working memory
The ability to hold information in mind while using it. If you struggle to remember what you were looking for mid-task, or lose your train of thought easily, this is the function Semax targets.

Cognitive stamina
Semax users often report being able to sustain focus for longer periods without the typical afternoon fade. The effect isn't stimulating like caffeine — it's more like your baseline capacity is higher.

Neuroprotection
The mechanism behind Semax's stroke-recovery applications. It supports brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps neurons grow, connect, and survive stress.

How Semax Works

Semax's main action is upregulating BDNF — essentially a growth factor for neurons. Higher BDNF means:

• Stronger connections between neurons (neuroplasticity)
• Better learning and memory formation
• More resilience to stress and damage

It also modulates dopamine and serotonin signaling, but gently — not by forcing neurotransmitter release like stimulants do. This is why Semax doesn't produce the crash, tolerance, or dependency patterns seen with Adderall or similar drugs.

Key difference from stimulants: Stimulants force your brain to dump its dopamine reserves, creating a spike followed by depletion. Semax builds infrastructure — it makes your neurons work better, not harder. Effects build over days as gene expression changes, not hours like acute pharmacology.

Semax Dosage

Intranasal spray is most common; subcutaneous injection is also used.

Typical semax dosage:

Timing: Morning dosing captures your natural cortisol peak. Avoid late afternoon/evening — Semax can be mildly stimulating and may affect sleep.

Cycling: 10-14 days on, 2-3 days off is common to prevent receptor desensitization.

Timeline to effects: Unlike caffeine, Semax takes time. Most people notice something within a few days, but full effects build over 1-2 weeks.

N-Acetyl Variants: Adamax and NA-Selank

Both Semax and Selank have modified versions designed for better stability and absorption. These are worth knowing about.

Adamax Peptide (N-Acetyl Semax Amidate)

Adamax is an enhanced form of Semax with two modifications:

• N-Acetyl group at the front for better stability
• Amide group at the back for improved absorption

Compared to regular Semax:

• More stable (longer shelf life, less degradation due to acetyl/amide groups)
• Theoretical better intranasal absorption (reduced enzymatic breakdown)
• Some users report smoother, longer-lasting effects
• Dosing is often similar or slightly lower

Note: The bioavailability claims are based on chemical stability data, not head-to-head human trials. User reports are consistent but anecdotal.

Adamax is popular among people who want the Semax cognitive benefits with better stability. If regular Semax feels too short-acting or inconsistent, Adamax may work better.

N-Acetyl Selank Amidate

The same modification applied to Selank:

• Better resistance to enzymatic breakdown
• Smoother absorption profile
• Some users find it gentler intranasally

Dosing is typically similar to regular Selank, though you may need slightly less for the same effect.

Which to choose: If you're new to these peptides, start with regular versions — they're well-studied and work fine for most people. The N-Acetyl variants are worth trying if you want potentially better stability or find the regular versions inconsistent.

Semax vs Selank: How to Choose

Choose Semax if...

• Your main issue is brain fog, poor focus, or difficulty starting tasks
• You want cognitive enhancement more than anxiety reduction
• You're dealing with attention or memory problems
• You're looking for something to stack with Selank for overall cognitive optimization

Choose Selank if...

• Your main issue is anxiety, hypervigilance, or chronic stress
• You've tried benzos or SSRIs but don't like the side effects
• You want to feel calmer without feeling dulled
• You need help with anxiety-driven insomnia

Choose Both if...

• You want calm focus — sharpness without edge
• Semax alone makes you feel slightly overstimulated or jittery
• You're in a high-demand period and need both performance and resilience

Using Semax and Selank Together

The combination is synergistic: Semax provides the cognitive sharpening, Selank prevents overstimulation and smooths out the experience.

Combination Dosing Pattern

Morning stack:

• Semax: 200-300 mcg
• Selank: 100-200 mcg

Late morning (if needed):

• Semax: 100-200 mcg booster

As needed:

• Selank: 100 mcg for stress spikes

Who Benefits Most from the Combination

• People who are stimulant-sensitive and find Semax alone slightly edgy
• Those with ADHD patterns who need focus but also run anxious
• High-performers in demanding, stressful work
• Anyone trying to reduce stimulant use while maintaining cognitive performance

Side Effects and Safety

Semax Side Effects

Common:

• Nasal irritation or dryness (intranasal route)
• Headache at higher doses
• Sleep disruption if dosed too late

Rare:

• Overstimulation or anxiety at high doses
• Mood changes

Management: Most issues resolve with dose or timing adjustment. If headaches persist, reduce dose. If sleep is affected, move dosing earlier.

Selank Side Effects

Common:

• Nasal irritation (usually mild, resolves in days)
• Feeling slightly flat if dose is too high

Rare:

• Headache
• Mild activation in some users

Management: Adjust dose. Unlike Semax, Selank side effects are uncommon.

Contraindications

Avoid both if:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (no safety data)
• Active cardiovascular disease (limited safety data)
• History of seizures (theoretical concern for Semax)

Use caution if:

• Bipolar disorder (insufficient data on mood destabilization)
• Already on multiple psychoactive substances

Dependency and Tolerance

Neither Semax nor Selank shows the dependency pattern seen with stimulants or benzodiazepines in available studies. Russian clinical use over decades hasn't produced documented addiction concerns — though rigorous Western-style dependency studies haven't been conducted.

That said, if you've been in chronic anxiety for years, stopping any support can feel noticeable. This is functional dependency (relying on something that helps), not the same as pharmacological addiction with withdrawal symptoms.

Quality and Sourcing

Peptides are fragile. Low-quality or degraded product won't work and may cause issues.

What to look for:

• Third-party testing with certificate of analysis (CoA)
• Proper cold storage and shipping
• Clear concentration labeling (mcg per spray or per mL)
• Reputable vendor with track record

Red flags:

• No CoA available
• Shipped without cold pack
• Suspiciously cheap
• Vague or missing concentration info

What Users Actually Report

Clinical research tells one story; community experience adds texture. Here's what biohackers consistently report across forums (r/Nootropics, r/Peptides, Longecity):

Semax: "Clarity" is the universal descriptor

Users describe Semax as producing mental clarity rather than stimulation:

"Halfway through the day it hit me. I realized I had been absolutely cranking through work. I was knocking out project after project, stuff I normally procrastinate on. I felt useful, energized, and locked in. Not jittery, just focused." — r/Nootropics user, Dec 2025

Common reports:

• Task completion improves ("shit got done")
• Brain fog lifts within days
• Some users report grumpiness at higher doses or on comedown
• Effects build over 1-2 weeks of consistent use

Individual variation is high — non-responders exist. Some call it life-changing; others notice nothing.

Selank: Benzo-level anxiolysis without the downsides

The most consistent positive signal across all sources:

"I just presented to 150 people with no issues which would never be possible for me. Also when going out I've noticed being much more social." — r/Peptides user, Dec 2025

"I love Selank, my discovery of the decade. I do 1.2 mg subQ daily... I have no weird thoughts, no stimming, just very calm but not in a weird way. It's like I become more of myself, less noise, less anxious." — r/Peptides user, Dec 2025

Common reports:

• Fast-acting (15-30 minutes) anxiety reduction
• No sedation, no memory impairment, no dependence
• Public speaking and social anxiety specifically improved
• Higher doses (1+ mg) often needed for robust effects

One healthcare provider reported successfully transitioning benzo patients to Selank.

The stack is standard practice

Semax + Selank together is the de facto community protocol:

"Semax/Selank is like vodka Red Bulls. An upper and a downer in a bottle without the terrible hangover." — r/Peptides user with severe ADHD

The pairing makes sense: Semax for cognitive acceleration, Selank to prevent overstimulation and smooth out any grumpiness.

What the community gets wrong

• Hair loss concerns: Frequently mentioned on Reddit, but no clinical evidence exists. Likely confounded by concurrent nootropic stacking.
• Microdosing Selank: Many users report microgram doses are insufficient. The 1-1.2 mg range is more reliably effective.
• Expecting instant effects from Semax: BDNF upregulation takes days to weeks, not hours.

These are anonymous self-reports, not controlled studies. Individual responses vary significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Semax or Selank?

Neither is "better" — they do different things. Semax is for focus and cognition. Selank is for anxiety and calm. Choose based on your primary need, or use both.

Can I use Semax and Selank at the same time?

Yes, this is a common combination. Take them together in the morning, or Semax first and Selank 30-60 minutes later. The effects complement each other.

How long does it take to feel Semax or Selank?

Selank: Some people feel calmer within hours. For others, it builds over days.

Semax: Effects are usually subtle at first and build over 3-7 days as BDNF levels rise.

Are Semax and Selank legal?

Both are prescription medications in Russia with decades of use. In the US, they're "research peptides"—no sponsor has pursued FDA approval, not due to safety concerns.

Can Semax or Selank replace ADHD medication?

They're not replacements for prescription ADHD medication. Some people use Semax as an adjunct (alongside lower doses of stimulants) or as an alternative for milder attention issues. This should only be done with medical oversight.

Do I need to cycle Semax and Selank?

Semax: Yes, 10-14 days on, 2-3 days off is standard to maintain sensitivity.

Selank: Less critical, but many people use defined courses (2-6 weeks) rather than indefinite daily use.

Summary: Semax and Selank at a Glance

Related Topics

• NAD+ Guide — cellular energy and mitochondrial support that pairs well with cognitive peptides
• BPC-157 Guide — another Russian-developed peptide often stacked with Semax
• GLOW Protocol Guide — skin-focused peptides using similar delivery methods
• Semax Dosing Guide — detailed dosing protocols for Semax

References

• Semax BDNF/TrkB mechanism: PubMed 16996037
• Semax in stroke recovery: PubMed 29798983
• Semax ADHD potential: PubMed 16996699
• Selank RCT vs benzodiazepine: PubMed 18454096
• Selank vs phenazepam in anxiety: PubMed 25176261
• Selank GABAergic effects: PMC 4757669
• Selank GABA modulation: PubMed 30255741
• Selank immunomodulatory signal: PubMed 18577961
• Russian peptide development: PMC 9030433

Educational content only. Semax and Selank are prescription medications in Russia, research peptides in the US. Work with a healthcare provider before using any peptide.