Semax

An Overview

Semax was developed in Moscow in 1982 by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Originally used as a treatment for people who have suffered brain damage as a result of stroke, it is now used as a nootropic in healthy people for mental enhancement. Apart from this, doctors in Russia prescribe it for treating many cognitive disorders like optic nerve disease, brain damage from ischemia (insufficient blood supply to the brain) and many other similar conditions.

Semax stimulates the Central Nervous System (CNS) and enhances mental performance, memory, focus and analytical skills. Many believe that it is much safer than various other stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, which have a lot more adverse side effects. Therefore, it would seem that Semax is one of the safest nootropic supplements currently on the market.

Although Russia developed it more than 30 years ago, distribution of Semax outside of countries in Eastern Europe is limited. It is mainly available in Russia and the Ukraine. However, as it is gaining worldwide recognition as a safe and efficient smart drug, you can now purchase it online and have it delivered to your country of residence.

How it Works

There are many ways that Semax works as a cognitive enhancer. Research has shown that administering this drug can increase the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). BDNF is a protein that plays an important role in the growth, maturation and maintenance of neurons. NGF is crucial to the survival and maintenance of sympathetic and sensory neurons.

There are reports of Semax inhibiting the action of melanocortin receptors, in particular, the MC4R member of this system which is anxiogenic. Therefore, Semax may be an anxiolytic agent which reduces anxiety. Some scientists believe that this effect could be related to the activation of the serotonergic system which is responsible for supplying nerves to almost all areas of the brain.  

Furthermore, Semax triggers the NMDA receptors (NMDARs), which are glutamate receptors in your nerve cells. NMDARs help with developing the Central Nervous System (CNS). They are also essential for dealing with learning and memory within the brain.

Benefits

Although Semax is especially useful for treating patients who suffer from brain damage, it also works as a nootropic in healthy individuals. Russian scientists conducted a study which concluded that people who took Semax have a significant decrease in erroneous responses to a memory task. Researchers observed the effect as early as day 1 of the study. This result demonstrates the ability of the supplement to improve memory recall and retention.

Another benefit of Semax is that it can act as an anxiolytic agent. Anxiety can significantly inhibit learning and the capacity to focus. With this mood-boosting supplement, users can become more efficient in learning and have better focus.

Some people also use Semax as a pain relief for headaches and migraines. A study conducted in the mid 90’s showed that people suffering from headaches and migraines could gain relief from pain in as little as 30 minutes after taking this supplement. The study also found that the effect of this drug as a painkiller peaks at 60 to 90 minutes.

Side Effects

Russian scientists have conducted many studies on Semax and administered it in many clinical trials. There were no serious side effects noted for this supplement. Users of this drug did not report any major side effects from using it as a nootropic. Despite having a high potency, human beings can take an enormous amount of this substance without it being toxic to our bodies. It would seem like Semax is a very safe nootropic.

However, it is important to note that even with more than 30 years of development and testing, very few people have tried Semax outside of Russia and the Ukraine until recent years.  It would be wise to monitor your body’s tolerance level and reaction to this drug if you have decided to add it in your long-term supplement regime.

Suggested Dosage and Administration

Semax is different from most other nootropics because it can be absorbed more efficiently through our nasal mucous membrane while our bodies absorb other supplements better through our digestive system. Due to this unique property, Semax usually comes in nasal spray bottles as 0.1% or 1.0% solution.

Because of its high potency, you should only use the 0.1% solution if you are using it as a nootropic. Doctors usually administer 1.0% solution on stroke patients and people who suffer from brain damage under their supervision for the exact appropriate dosage. Otherwise, you will need to dilute it if you want to use it for raising your cognitive aptitudes.

The nasal spray bottles typically contain 3 ml of solution in 60 doses which means that each dose is about 50 mcg. The recommended dosage is two to three sprays in each nostril for two times daily, which amounts to a daily dosage of about 400 to 600 mcg in total.

You should also cycle this drug by taking it for 14 days and then taking a break from it for another 14 days before starting the cycle again. Because Semax has a very long half-life, ranging from 12 to 24 hours, some people only take one dose a day. Therefore, you should start by administrating only one dose a day and monitor the effects and your body’s reaction before increasing the dosage to two times a day and look for any improvement. If no significant enhancement is noted, you should only administer one dose per day.

Legal Status

Semax is an approved drug by the Russian government since 2011. In the United States of America, it is currently not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it does not mean that it is illegal to consume Semax in the United States but just that it is unscheduled. You may obtain it either online or in other countries for personal use.