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Semax vs Semax/Selank Combo, and Bacteriostatic Saline

12 replies8 peopleApr 3, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

Experiences using Semax alone versus the Semax/Selank combo for post-covid brain fog, plus whether bacteriostatic saline works for nasal reconstitution without irritation

Users report mixed results with the combo versus single compounds, with one noting brain fog from Semax alone and another preferring them separately. Bacteriostatic saline is used by several without sinus issues when mixed with plain saline, though others note it can dry mucosa. Sterile saline without additives is suggested as an alternative, and aliquots or refrigeration help extend usability beyond a couple weeks.

What this discussion establishesWhere people disagree

Whether Semax alone or the combo is better for brain fog; some prefer separate use while others report negative effects from Semax in isolation

Still open

How long bacteriostatic saline actually extends stability compared with plain saline for intranasal Semax

Nothing here is advice.

12 replies · 8 people
RustBramble27archiveopening postApr 3

I'm trying to clear brain fog after long covid while studying for IT certification exams, so I've been considering Semax or the Semax plus Selank mix. I'm leaning toward just Semax since I don't think I need the anxiety-reducing effects of the other, even though I get some anxiety now and then. I already have bacteriostatic saline and would like to use it for reconstituting for nasal use, but I'm concerned the benzyl alcohol could cause problems. Not sure if that's something everyone runs into or if it varies. Would like to hear any experiences with either the compounds or the saline.

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CopperAlder51archiveApr 3

There are a couple threads on Semax and Selank that should cover your questions, plus more on the same site. I didn't like the combo but like each one on its own. You might want to look into Epitalon for brain fog as well. Any BAC will dry your sinuses out and irritate the mucosa. Sterile saline without it is available elsewhere.

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RustBramble27archiveApr 3

I read through that second thread before posting here, but it didn't have the details I was after. The first link looks like it goes to a direct message instead.

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CopperAlder51archiveApr 3

Oh, let me fix that.

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WarmWillow89archiveApr 3

For nasal reconstitution I mix bac water with saline. I get small 5 ml ampules that work well. I use 2 ml to reconstitute, move that into the nasal spray bottle, then add 5 ml of saline. That gives roughly 125 mcg per spray with the bottles I have. Never had irritation or dryness.

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SteadyBeacon57archiveApr 8

I get noticeable brain fog from Semax by itself. Just one person's experience, but I'd suggest trying the combo.

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KeenPebble65archiveApr 8

I reconstitute with bacteriostatic saline and haven't run into any irritation.

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QuietMarble18archiveApr 9

Many nasal sprays in the UK use Bacteriostatic Saline 0.9%.

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BlueThistle84archiveJul 27
↳ replying to @CopperAlder51

What's the general view on bacteriostatic saline with Semax? Does it give longer shelf life? I'm looking at a 50 mg vial for intranasal use and was thinking BAC saline might help because plain saline only keeps it good for about 14-20 days. That amount would need more time than that.

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CopperAlder51archiveJul 27
↳ replying to @BlueThistle84

I've never used BAC saline, but you could try it and report back. The saline might reduce the drying effect from the BA. I'm sure others use it. My sterile saline has stayed clear up to 30 days when refrigerated, but with that much I'd probably split it into another vial and freeze it, or use multiple vials if the daily dose is under 1 mg.

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SteadySparrow75archiveJul 27
↳ replying to @CopperAlder51

I'd be interested in what they find as well.

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SteadySparrow75archiveJul 27

Yeah, that lines up with how I see it... 👍 I store a nasal applicator of Selank in cold storage, yet the stability varies. I mix using plain saline, load just part of the mixture into the applicator plus extra saline, then keep the leftover mixture chilled until the following use. I may test bac saline on the upcoming mix anyway. 👍 For Semax I administer it under the skin. The nasal route gave me little noticeable effect.

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BlueThistle84archiveJul 27

I was leaning toward aliquoting myself. I wanted to skip the extra steps so I was considering bac saline to lower the chance of microbes getting in.

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