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Rat data: Selank/Semax route differences (SubQ vs intranasal) + combo vs solo use

11 replies8 peopleFeb 17, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

How do subcutaneous and intranasal routes compare for Selank and Semax in lab rat observations, including solo versus combined use and resulting effects?

Users report highly variable outcomes with both peptides. Intranasal administration at 250-800 mcg daily produced minor or inconsistent calmness and focus for some over weeks, while others saw no benefits. Subcutaneous dosing around 400 mcg yielded clearer focus and cognitive effects for at least one subject after prior intranasal trials failed. Prior Epitalon use was noted by one as possibly enhancing later responses, and nasal sprays were generally preferred though direct route comparisons remain limited.

What this discussion establishesWhere people disagree

Whether nasal or subcutaneous delivery is superior, and whether meaningful cognitive or anxiolytic effects occur at all

Still open

Optimal dosing frequency, duration, washout periods, and true bioavailability differences between routes

Nothing here is advice.

11 replies · 8 people
SharpMarble22archiveopening postFeb 17

Gathering lab rat preclinical notes on these two peptides and hoping for contributions from those who've tested them. Key areas: comparing injection under skin to nasal delivery, using one or both together, impacts on behavior, thinking, anxiety, and brain signals. Also practical stuff like amounts, how often, when, breaks, and if the way it's given affects how reliable the results are. Any irritation or other signals. If you've done rat studies, share strain details if possible, dosing amounts and schedule, how given and prepared, if both at once or separate times. Not seeking health guidance, just method info to compare experiences. Right now my subject is three days into under-skin Selank starting around 330 micrograms from a certain vial mix and aiming up to 500.

QuietLedger82archiveFeb 17

Research subject over 50, male. Has used nasal Semax and Selank separately for roughly two months, beginning early December with the amidated versions. First week used 250 mcg sprays of each once daily in the morning to check tolerance, with none noted and only slight calmness or focus that might have been placebo. Weeks two through four doubled to 500 mcg daily with still no clear benefits or issues. Weeks five through eight switched to regular versions after running out, raising Semax to 800 mcg split twice daily while keeping Selank at 400-500 mcg but moving it to evening. Effects stayed minor and inconsistent. Now taking a break to reset. Overall no strong improvements observed and unsure about continuing long term.

WarmWillow50archiveFeb 18

Thanks for the info. I have these two on my research radar and have been looking for others who have used them along with any anecdotal experiences.

CopperAlder51archiveFeb 18

Responses really do vary. Semax has been my subject's favorite peptide so far, giving an invigorating boost in the morning before work. Selank feels more subtle yet still delivers the wanted result. A prior 20-day Epitalon run might have primed the full effects. Giving the sinuses a month off then starting an amidated Semax cycle for comparison. Planning two weeks under skin first then two weeks nasal.

QuietLedger82archiveFeb 18
↳ replying to @CopperAlder51

Good info, though disappointing for my subject. Still seeking that focus and cognitive boost. What dosage of Semax is your subject using? Also want to look into Epitalon since it keeps coming up.

CopperAlder51archiveFeb 18
↳ replying to @QuietLedger82

I also made an Epitalon spray at 500 mcg per spray for 1 mg daily over 20 days. It cleared COVID brain fog, sharpened vision and made colors more saturated. At 67 with prior TBIs from accidents I think it helped and the improvement lasted two months later. Planning to cycle every three to four months though shorter monthly protocols exist. Made Semax the same way at 500 mcg per spray for 1 mg daily, though four sprays once caused a headache. Have some amidated version for the next cycle to reconstitute at 350 mcg per spray. Want to compare nasal and under skin but have read nasal gives best bioavailability.

SharpHarbour71archiveApr 23
↳ replying to @SharpMarble22 (opening post)

I'm interested in this as well. Recently the old rat started experimenting with Adamax after getting out of the cage. Any updates on how your semax/selank protocols are going?

NorthMeadow60archiveApr 24

How is the spray made?

WarmAlder51archiveApr 24

I've made a spray for each. Using 10 ml saline with 10 mg compound, doing two squirts per nostril for four total, which I estimate around 400 mcg. Pretty much no effects at all. Wish I had split the vials at the start to test nasal versus under skin myself. After reading here most said nasal is better. Guess I was due for a non-response since I've been lucky with good responses and no sides on everything else tried.

CopperAlder51archiveApr 24

My spray uses 20 mg standard Semax in 4 mL sterile saline for 500 mcg per spray. That might be a bit light. You could always increase to check if you're a complete non-responder.

WarmAlder51archiveApr 24

After three days with no response I'll double the dose tomorrow and try 800.

PatientBeacon15archiveApr 24

60-year-old male here. Tried nasal Semax at a normal starter dose and noticed little difference, expecting something immediate from brain bioavailability. Stopped for weeks. Later after pausing another cycle I wanted something to inject and found the neglected Semax, reconstituted and injected about 400 mcg under skin for four straight days. Felt a level of clarity and focus not experienced before, finishing sentences with eloquence and vocabulary the speaker lacked. Probably annoying but don't care, and think that may be an undocumented benefit. Out of town now without it so curious if the effect drops off. Plan to resume when back and maybe report later, though writing might reach a level others won't follow.

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