CommunityMind & Motivation

Peps for anxiety, stress, etc. ??

9 replies7 peopleJun 19, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

Which peptides help reduce anxiety, stress or depression without triggering heart rate spikes?

The original poster is wary of Semax because of reported side effects like jitters and anxiety and asks for alternatives after success with other peptides. Replies point to Selank as a calmer option that worked intranasally or subq for some users, while phenibut is praised for social anxiety but flagged for severe dependence risks. Meditation and beta-blockers are also suggested as non-peptide approaches, and the OP plans to try Selank while steering clear of SSRIs and Semax.

What this discussion establishesWhere people disagree

Phenibut's usefulness versus its addiction and withdrawal dangers

Still open

Whether Selank or PE-22-28 will work for the original poster

Nothing here is advice.

9 replies · 7 people
QuietKettle56archiveopening postJun 19

I've looked into Semax but heard reports of it causing jitters, fast heartbeat, sweating and even anxiety. Any quick pulse change sets off my anxiety right away so I'm cautious about trying it. My anxiety has stayed mostly under control for nearly ten years with only a few bad episodes, though it was much worse before. After good results from peptides for weight loss, skin and energy I'm curious if anyone has used a different peptide that eased stress, anxiety or depression.

GreenHarbour50archiveJun 19

Not a peptide but phenibut is the only thing I've tried that worked great for me. Still it's very risky since even three or four days straight can create dependence and stopping can be awful and potentially dangerous like benzo or heavy alcohol withdrawal. It also clashes badly with alcohol and can leave a rough hangover. Anyone with addictive tendencies should skip it entirely. Its main value seems to be for one-off social anxiety like a speech or networking event where it creates a calm sociable feeling without losing coordination the way alcohol does.

GreenAlder78archiveJun 19

Try mindful meditation daily or whenever needed. Nothing else matches its impact on every part of life. I'm a total skeptic not into new-age stuff but I had to try it when anxiety was destroying me while working on wall street. It turned things around and was simple to start.

LevelAlder34archiveJun 19

Selank seems better suited for anxiety than Semax and it gave me a clear calming feeling. PE-22-28 is also supposed to help with the issues you mentioned though I haven't tried it yet.

ClearAnchor21archiveJun 19
↳ replying to @QuietKettle56 (opening post)

Selank is the one for anxiety. Subq did nothing for me but the nasal route worked. Right now I'm using a blend of Selank and DSIP nasally before bed and it relaxes me enough to fall asleep fast.

WryMarble61archiveJun 19

You should try Selank though it doesn't work for everyone according to what I've seen. Subq worked well for me and I also turned some into a nasal spray. I use 500 mcg four times a week.

WryHarbour70archiveJun 20
↳ replying to @GreenHarbour50

A beta-blocker might help you since it keeps heart rate steady and is commonly used off-label for anxiety especially before public speaking. On phenibut and short benzos they do stop anxiety but nothing matches the horror of physical withdrawal from them. Opiate withdrawal is milder by comparison and it feels like your life is ending with days of no sleep.

QuietKettle56archiveJun 20
↳ replying to @GreenAlder78

I already do something like that with tuning forks at calming frequencies and healing affirmations on loop. I'm also a big believer in the law of attraction.

QuietKettle56archiveJun 21
↳ replying to @LevelAlder34

I read that Semax can actually trigger panic attacks which is the opposite of what I'd want so I'll skip it. Selank looks promising with the reports I've seen and I'll probably give it a try along with PE-22-28 when I order.

QuietKettle56archiveJun 21
↳ replying to @WryHarbour70

I'll look into beta blockers thanks for the tip. As a teen I took Paxil and even missing one day made me really sick so I understand the dependence issue and plan to avoid SSRIs this time.

Add your experience

If you have tried it, this topic is still open. Sign in to reply — it takes a minute.