Side-by-side · Research reference
SemaxvsTesofensine
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
AHuman-MechanisticDraft12/39 cited
BPhase 3Draft10/40 cited
Semax
Cognitive enhancer · Russian Pharma
Intranasal · 2–3×/day during cognitive demand
Tesofensine
SNDRI · Phase 3 obesity candidate
Oral · Once daily morning
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Semax
Tesofensine
Primary target
BDNF / NGF expression + monoamine modulationKaplan 2017
Serotonin / norepinephrine / dopamine transporters (SERT / NET / DAT)Astrup 2008
Pathway
↑ BDNF + NGF synthesis + 5-HT modulation → neuroplasticity + anxiolysis + cognitive enhancementKaplan 2017
Triple monoamine reuptake inhibition → ↑synaptic 5-HT, NE, DA → appetite suppression + thermogenesisAstrup 2008
Downstream effect
Improved memory + attention; reduced anxiety; neuroprotection in ischemiaKaplan 2017
Strong appetite suppression, mild thermogenic effect, weight lossAstrup 2008
Feedback intact?
—
—
Origin
Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from ACTH(4-7) with C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro stabilising tailKaplan 2017
Small molecule developed by NeuroSearch (Denmark) for CNS indications, repurposed for obesityAstrup 2008
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Semax
Tesofensine
Frequency
2–3× per day during cognitive demand
Once daily, morning
Lower / starter dose
100 mcg / dose
0.125 mg / day
Duration
10–14 day cycles, repeated PRN
24 weeks per studied cycle
Reconstitution
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water
—
Timing
Morning + early afternoon
Morning to avoid sleep disruption
Half-life
Short plasma; CNS effect lasts ~3–6 hr
~9 days (very long)
Form
—
Oral capsule
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Semax
Tesofensine
Nasal irritation
Mild burning or congestion (transient)
—
Sleep disruption
Late-day dosing may interfere with sleep
—
Headache
Uncommon, transient
—
Long-term safety
Limited Western RCT data
—
Pregnancy / OB
Avoid
Contraindicated
Insomnia
—
Dose-related; mitigate with morning timing
Dry mouth
—
Common
Nausea
—
Common
Mood changes
—
Anxiety / agitation possible
Cardiovascular events
—
Phase 3 trial monitoring; not yet FDA-cleared
Absolute Contraindications
Semax
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
Tesofensine
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Severe cardiovascular disease
- ·Concurrent MAOI use
Relative Contraindications
Semax
- ·Active psychiatric instability
- ·Concurrent strong stimulants
Tesofensine
- ·Hypertension
- ·Anxiety disorder
- ·Insomnia
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Semax
Tesofensine
1. Form
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
Oral capsule (investigational; not commercial).
2. Administration
Intranasal — 2–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.
Swallow whole with water, morning only.
3. Timing
Morning + early afternoon. Avoid evening (sleep disruption).
Morning to mitigate insomnia. Do not dose evening.
4. Storage
Refrigerate after reconstitution; light-protected.
Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.
5. Caveat
Cycle on/off to avoid neurochemical adaptation.
Monitor BP + HR + mood. Avoid stimulants + MAOIs.
06Stack Synergy
Semax
+ Selank
ModerateSemax (cognitive enhancer, BDNF/NGF) and Selank (anxiolytic + immune) form the canonical Russian "neuro stack" — both intranasal peptide bioregulators with complementary axes. Semax for cognitive demand; Selank for stress mitigation.
- Semax
- 200–600 mcg intranasal · morning + afternoon
- Selank
- 150–300 mcg intranasal · midday + early evening
- Primary benefit
- Cognitive enhancement + stress mitigation
Tesofensine
— no documented stacks