Side-by-side · Research reference

AdamaxvsSermorelin

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 3HUMAN-REVIEWED14/43 cited

Adamax

ACTH(4-10) Analogue · Russian Nootropic

1.4×BDNF protein ↑Dolotov 2006

3×BDNF mRNA (exon III)Dolotov 2006

1.6×trkB phosphorylationDolotov 2006

Intranasal · Research Use Only

Sermorelin

GHRH 1-29 fragment · Short-acting

100–500 mcgPer doseMolteno 2013

Phase 3Evidence levelWalker 1994 Molteno 2013

~12 minHalf-lifeMolteno 2013

SQ · Pre-sleep · 1×/day

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Adamax

Sermorelin

Primary target

Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex

Pituitary GHRH receptorWalker 1994

Pathway

ACTH(4-10) fragment → MC-R binding → BDNF/trkB upregulation → neurotrophic signaling

GHRH-R → Gαs → cAMP → PKA → GH vesicle exocytosisWalker 1994

Downstream effect

Increased hippocampal BDNF expression, trkB tyrosine phosphorylation, enhanced conditioned avoidance learning, circadian rhythm normalizationDolotov 2006 Arushanian 2008

Pulsatile GH release; subsequent IGF-1 elevationMolteno 2013

Feedback intact?

Non-endocrine — devoid of adrenal axis effectsvan 1978

Yes — short pulse preserves feedback

Origin

ACTH(4-10) fragment with modified amino acid sequence at positions 8, 9, 10Teter 2001

Unmodified active 29-AA fragment of human GHRH (1-44)Walker 1994

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Adamax

Sermorelin

Animal dose (rat)

50 mcg/kg body weightDolotov 2006

Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.

—

Route

IntranasalDolotov 2006 Smolnik 2000

—

Frequency

Single-dose or chronic administration protocols

Chronic dosing normalized circadian rhythms; single-dose produced acute BDNF elevation.

Once daily, pre-sleep

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 3 (Geref pediatric); clinical practiceWalker 1994 Molteno 2013

Timing

Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects

Pre-sleep, fasted preferred

Standard dose

—

100–500 mcg per injectionMolteno 2013

Lower / starter dose

—

100 mcg per dose

Duration

—

8–12 weeks per cycle

Reconstitution

—

Bacteriostatic water

Half-life

—

~12 min (plasma)Molteno 2013

Shorter than tesamorelin (~26 min) — simpler GHRH analogue.

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Adamax

Sermorelin

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.

—

Natriuretic effect

ACTH(4-10) exhibited natriuretic activity at lower doses (7 nmol/kg)Gruber 1984

—

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

—

Injection site reaction

—

Mild erythema, transient pain

Flushing / headache

—

Common transient effect

IGF-1 elevation

—

Modest at standard doses

Cancer risk

—

Contraindicated in active malignancy (GH/IGF-1 axis)

Pregnancy / OB

—

Avoid

Glucose handling

—

Generally neutral

Absolute Contraindications

Adamax

·Pregnancy and lactation (precautionary; no data)
·Active cardiovascular instability (due to potential pressor effects)

Sermorelin

·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)

Sermorelin

·Untreated diabetes

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Adamax

Sermorelin

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 2006 Smolnik 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.

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

Moderate

View Semax →

Both 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

Sermorelin

+ Ipamorelin

Strong

View Ipamorelin →

Sermorelin (GHRH analogue) and ipamorelin (selective GHRP) form the prototypical GHRH+GHRP dual-axis stack at the lowest cost. Both peak within 30 min and produce a sharp physiological GH pulse without cortisol/prolactin elevation.

Sermorelin: 200–300 mcg SQ · pre-sleep
Ipamorelin: 200–300 mcg SQ · same injection
Primary benefit: Pulsatile GH stimulation, recovery, body composition

Raun 1998 Walker 1994