Side-by-side · Research reference
AdamaxvsHexarelin
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED20/47 cited
BPhase 1HUMAN-REVIEWED19/45 cited
Adamax
ACTH(4-10) Analogue · Russian Nootropic
Intranasal · Research Use Only
Hexarelin
Hexapeptide GHRP · Cardio-tropic
SQ · Multiple sites · 1–3×/day
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Adamax
Hexarelin
Primary target
Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex
Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) + cardiac CD36Smith 1996Ghigo 1997
Pathway
ACTH(4-10) fragment → MC-R binding → BDNF/trkB upregulation → neurotrophic signaling
GHS-R1a → Gαq → Ca²⁺ → GH release. CD36 engagement → direct cardio-tropic actionGhigo 1997
Downstream effect
Increased hippocampal BDNF expression, trkB tyrosine phosphorylation, enhanced conditioned avoidance learning, circadian rhythm normalizationDolotov 2006Arushanian 2008
Strong GH pulse + IGF-1 elevation; cardio-protective effects in animal MI modelsGhigo 1997
Feedback intact?
Non-endocrine — devoid of adrenal axis effectsvan 1978
Yes initially; tachyphylaxis with chronic useGhigo 1997
Origin
ACTH(4-10) fragment with modified amino acid sequence at positions 8, 9, 10Teter 2001
Synthetic hexapeptide His-D-2-Methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂Smith 1996
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Adamax
Hexarelin
Animal dose (rat)
50 mcg/kg body weightDolotov 2006
Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.
—
Frequency
Single-dose or chronic administration protocols
Chronic dosing normalized circadian rhythms; single-dose produced acute BDNF elevation.
1–2× per day max (tachyphylaxis with chronic 3× daily)
Human dose (exploratory)
Not established — limited human data
ACTH(4-10) and analogs dosed 30–60 mcg intranasally in early human studies.
—
Evidence basis
Animal (rodent, rabbit) studies; minimal human RCT data
Phase 1 / Phase 2 trialsSmith 1996Ghigo 1997
Timing
Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects
Pre-sleep + fasted preferred
Lower / starter dose
—
50 mcg per dose
Duration
—
4–8 weeks on / 4–8 weeks off (tachyphylaxis mitigation)
Reconstitution
—
Bacteriostatic water
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Adamax
Hexarelin
Cardiovascular effects
ACTH(4-10) fragments may have pressor and cardioaccelerator actions at high dosesGruber 1984
Effects attenuated by α/β-receptor antagonists; observed at 30–1000 nmol/kg IV in rats.
—
Behavioral suppression
Suppression of aggression, reduced orientation-cognition reactions in rabbitsTeter 2001
May reflect anxiolytic or stress-dampening profile.
—
Long-term safety
Unknown — chronic human safety data lacking
—
Hunger
—
Strong appetite increase via ghrelin agonism
IGF-1 elevation
—
Strong; monitor with chronic high-dose use
Cancer risk
—
Contraindicated in active malignancy (GH/IGF-1 axis)
Pregnancy / OB
—
Avoid
Absolute Contraindications
Adamax
- ·Pregnancy and lactation (precautionary; no data)
- ·Active cardiovascular instability (due to potential pressor effects)
Hexarelin
- ·Active malignancy
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary axis
Relative Contraindications
Adamax
- ·Hypertension (monitor BP if using higher doses)
- ·Renal impairment (natriuretic effects may alter electrolyte balance)
Hexarelin
- ·Untreated diabetes
- ·Severe hyperprolactinemia
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Adamax
Hexarelin
1. Reconstitution (if lyophilised)
Add sterile water or bacteriostatic water to lyophilised vial per manufacturer guidance. Roll gently — do not shake. Ensure clarity before use.
Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 5 mg vial → 2.5 mg/mL = 250 mcg per 0.1 mL.
2. Route
Intranasal administration is the primary route in animal and exploratory human studies. Delivered via nasal spray or dropper to ensure mucosal absorption.Dolotov 2006Smolnik 2000
SQ — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.
3. Timing
Variable. Single-dose protocols for acute cognitive tasks; chronic daily dosing for circadian rhythm normalization and sustained neuroprotection.
Pre-sleep + fasted preferred. Cycle on/off to avoid tachyphylaxis.
4. Storage
Lyophilised: room temperature, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within manufacturer-specified timeframe.
Lyophilised: room temp, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.
5. Needle
—
29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.
06Stack Synergy
Adamax
+ Semax
ModerateBoth Adamax and Semax are ACTH(4-10)-derived nootropics acting via melanocortin receptors and BDNF upregulation. Adamax has distinct amino acid modifications at positions 8-10, potentially offering complementary receptor binding profiles or metabolic stability. Stacking may amplify neurotrophic signaling and cognitive enhancement, though direct synergy studies are absent. Theoretical multi-pathway benefit.
- Adamax
- Research dose intranasal
- Semax
- 300–600 mcg intranasal
- Frequency
- Once daily, morning or pre-cognitive task
- Primary benefit
- Enhanced BDNF upregulation, cognitive performance, neuroprotection
Hexarelin
+ CJC-1295 (no DAC)
StrongHexarelin (GHRP) + CJC-1295-no-DAC (GHRH analogue) is the higher-amplitude variant of the standard GHRH+GHRP stack. Hexarelin produces a stronger pulse than ipamorelin but with cortisol + prolactin signal — choose this stack for maximum GH amplitude when side-effect tolerance is acceptable. Cycle aggressively.
- Hexarelin
- 100 mcg SQ · pre-sleep
- CJC-1295 (no DAC)
- 100 mcg SQ · same injection
- Primary benefit
- Maximum GH pulse amplitude (with side-effect signal)