Cognitive & Nootropic Peptides — Dosage Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of intranasal nootropic and anxiolytic peptides, plus the sleep-focused DSIP.
Educational tool — not medical advice. This calculator provides estimates based on population averages and published trial data. Outputs are not clinical recommendations and do not replace evaluation by a qualified prescriber. Do not start, stop, or change a peptide therapy based on the result of this tool.
The cognitive peptide category centers on three Russian-developed compounds with limited Western clinical validation. Selank and Semax are intranasal peptides approved in Russia (Selank for anxiety, Semax for cognitive support and stroke recovery) but not FDA-approved. DSIP is a sleep-focused subcutaneous peptide with inconsistent efficacy data. None of them are stimulants — their mechanisms involve neuropeptide signaling rather than catecholamine release.
Side-by-Side Dosage Comparison
| Peptide | Status | Typical dose | Frequency | Route | Cycle | Best for | Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selank | Approved outside the US | 500–1,000 mcg total per dose | 2–3× daily intranasal | Intranasal | 2–4 weeks | Anxiety, asthenic states. Anxiolytic without GABAergic sedation. | View |
| Semax | Approved outside the US | 400–1,200 mcg total per dose | 2–3× daily intranasal | Intranasal | 10–14 days | Cognitive support, focus, stroke recovery (Russian label). BDNF upregulation. | View |
| DSIP | Research-only — no human approval | 100–300 mcg | Pre-bed PRN | subQ | 1–2 weeks PRN | Sleep onset and quality. Inconsistent efficacy data — variable individual response. | View |
Who this is for
Adults seeking adjunctive cognitive support (Semax), anxiolytic effect without benzodiazepine-class side effects (Selank), or sleep onset support (DSIP), working with a qualified provider through a 503A/503B compounding pharmacy. Best as adjuncts to behavioral and lifestyle interventions, not standalone treatments for diagnosed conditions.
Who should avoid
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients. Patients with active sinusitis or nasal pathology should avoid the intranasal route (Selank, Semax). Bipolar disorder is a relative contraindication for Semax due to dopaminergic modulation. Patients on benzodiazepines or sedatives should consult their prescriber before adding DSIP.
Cognitive & Nootropic Peptides Dosing FAQ
Selank and Semax are approved in Russia and used internationally but are not FDA-approved in the United States. DSIP has never received approval anywhere. All three are accessed in the US through 503A/503B compounding pharmacies under provider prescription.
Selank is anxiolytic — it targets anxiety, asthenic states, and stress without sedation. Semax is more stimulating — it supports focus, cognitive performance, and is used in Russian post-stroke recovery. They are sometimes alternated rather than co-administered, and your goal (anxiety vs. focus) determines the choice.
Intranasal administration provides direct access to the brain via the olfactory pathway and bypasses first-pass metabolism. For neuropeptides where central nervous system effect is the goal, intranasal is mechanistically efficient and avoids the compliance burden of injection.
Published Russian data does not show dependence or withdrawal for Selank or Semax. The pulsed-course pattern (2–4 weeks on, then a break) further limits any tolerance development. DSIP similarly does not produce dependence in published data, though the data on DSIP is sparser.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide therapy treatment.