GHRP-2 vs Semax

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

GHRP-2Semax
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.Research indicates 200-600 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.1% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).
TimingOn empty stomach, bedtime administration preferred. Wait 2+ hours after last meal.Morning and early afternoon dosing (avoid evening — may cause stimulation/insomnia). Intranasal preferred for rapid CNS delivery.
Cycle Duration8-16 week cycles.10-14 day cycles with equal rest periods. Some protocols use 3-5 day on / 2 day off patterns.
Evidence Levelmoderate_humanmoderate_human
A

GHRP-2

Peptides

Mechanism

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide GHS-R1a agonist that is the most potent of the GHRP family for GH release. It stimulates pituitary GH secretion through the ghrelin receptor while also modulating hypothalamic GHRH and somatostatin pathways. GHRP-2 increases GH, cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH release, but with less appetite stimulation than GHRP-6. It also has demonstrated anxiolytic properties and sleep-promoting effects.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.

Timing

On empty stomach, bedtime administration preferred. Wait 2+ hours after last meal.

Cycle Duration

8-16 week cycles.

Side Effects

  • Water retention
  • Moderate hunger increase (less than GHRP-6)
  • Cortisol elevation
  • Prolactin elevation
  • Tingling
  • Vivid dreams

Contraindications

  • Active cancer
  • Cushing's syndrome
  • Hyperprolactinemia
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Best Stacking Partners

CJC-1295 (no DAC)SermorelinBPC-157
B

Semax

Peptides

Mechanism

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment that rapidly upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its signaling receptor TrkB in the hippocampus (1.4-fold BDNF protein increase, 3-fold exon III BDNF mRNA increase). It activates dopaminergic and serotonergic brain systems, enhances neurotrophin gene expression (BDNF, NGF), and modulates intracellular calcium dynamics in brain neurons. Semax lacks ACTH's corticotropic activity, acting purely as a nootropic/neuroprotective agent.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 200-600 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.1% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).

Timing

Morning and early afternoon dosing (avoid evening — may cause stimulation/insomnia). Intranasal preferred for rapid CNS delivery.

Cycle Duration

10-14 day cycles with equal rest periods. Some protocols use 3-5 day on / 2 day off patterns.

Side Effects

  • Nasal irritation (intranasal route)
  • Mild headache
  • Stimulation/insomnia if dosed late
  • Irritability at high doses
  • Hair loss (anecdotal at high doses)

Contraindications

  • Seizure disorders
  • Acute psychosis or mania
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Severe hypertension

Best Stacking Partners

SelankP21Noopept

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