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Semax Nasal Spray in Tampa, FL
Semax is a nasal spray peptide that may support focus, memory and mental clarity, and ease brain fog. It is registered as a medicine in Russia but not approved in the U.S., so a licensed provider goes over what is known before anything is prescribed.
Padgett Medical Center in Tampa, Florida offers BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, MOTS-c, Semax and Epitalon, prescribed after a free consultation with a licensed provider and compounded by a licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy.
- The consultation is free. You only pay for your peptides if you start.
- New patients: 10% off the first peptide order when you book online with a card on file
- In person in Tampa or telehealth anywhere in Florida
Semax at Padgett
From $125
Every product and price is listed below.
- Consultation
- Free
- Form
- A nasal spray
- Prescribed by
- A licensed provider
- Compounded by
- A licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy
Compounded peptides have not been approved by the FDA.
Pricing
Semax price in Tampa
The consultation is free. You only pay for your peptides if you start. Semax at Padgett Medical Center in Tampa costs $125 (nasal spray, 3.75 mg in 4 mL, 4 mL bottle), $125 (nasal spray, 7.5 mg in 4 mL, 4 mL bottle) or $199 (nasal spray, 7.5 mg in 6 mL, 6 mL bottle).
| Product | Order | Price | Card on file10% off first order, new patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasal spray3.75 mg in 4 mL | 4 mL bottle | $125 | $112.50 |
| Nasal spray7.5 mg in 4 mL | 4 mL bottle | $125 | $112.50 |
| Nasal spray7.5 mg in 6 mL | 6 mL bottle | $199 | $179.10 |
New patients who book online with a card on file get 10% off their first peptide order ($125 becomes $112.50). Nothing is charged when you book, and current patients pay the listed price.
Your provider confirms the right product at your consultation. Prices are subject to change. Compounded for you by a licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy: about our partner pharmacies.
Compounded peptides have not been approved by the FDA.
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic peptide made of seven amino acids (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro). It was developed in Russia from a fragment of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), the pituitary hormone that signals the adrenal glands. Its first four amino acids match the ACTH 4-7 region, and a three-amino-acid tail (Pro-Gly-Pro) was added so the body breaks it down more slowly.
Unlike ACTH, Semax does not have hormonal effects on the adrenal glands or cortisol. It is registered as a medicine in Russia, mainly for use after ischemic stroke, but it is not approved in the U.S. or the European Union.
Who Semax may help
Semax may help with:
- Focus and concentration
- Memory
- Mental clarity and brain fog
- Overall cognitive function
No large, placebo-controlled trial has shown these effects in people, and results vary. Semax is not a treatment for ADHD and does not replace ADHD medicine. If you are looking for ADHD care, see our adult ADHD treatment page.
How Semax may work
Most of what is known comes from rodent studies. In rats, a single nasal dose of Semax raised levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and activated its receptor, TrkB, in the hippocampus, a brain area important for memory. BDNF is a growth factor that helps neurons survive and form new connections (neuroplasticity).
In rodents Semax also raised serotonin turnover and amplified the dopamine release caused by amphetamine, and in rats it reduced blood clotting and platelet clumping. The exact receptor and full mechanism are not known: FDA described Semax as acting through poorly understood mechanisms, and most of the research comes from a small number of Russian research groups.
What the research shows
What has been seen in cells and animals, what has been seen in people, and what has not been shown yet.
Lab and animal studies
In rats, Semax increased BDNF and TrkB activity in the hippocampus and improved learning on avoidance tasks. After an induced stroke, rats given nasal Semax had damaged areas about 20% smaller than untreated rats, and they did not develop the memory deficits seen in controls. Rodent studies also report antidepressant-like, anti-anxiety and pain-relieving effects.
Studies in people
Human evidence is limited, and much of it is older, small, and published only in Russian or as meeting abstracts. In stroke, a 1997 study compared 30 patients given Semax with 80 on conventional treatment, and a 2018 study of 110 post-stroke patients reported higher blood BDNF and faster gains on a daily-living scale with Semax. Neither is described as a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
In healthy adults, two small brain-scan studies found changes in resting brain network activity 5 to 20 minutes after a nasal dose. These show that Semax affects the brain, but not that it improves focus or memory. No published clinical trial has tested Semax for ADHD, brain fog or everyday focus.
The bottom line
Animal research and small human studies suggest Semax may support focus, memory and mental clarity. No large, placebo-controlled trial has shown these benefits in people.
Semax is not FDA-approved. In 2026, FDA concluded there was not enough evidence that Semax works for the uses it evaluated (stroke-related brain ischemia, migraine and trigeminal nerve pain). For the July 2026 advisory committee meeting, FDA staff recommended against adding Semax to the list of substances pharmacies may compound; the committee voted to recommend adding it anyway. The vote is advisory.
How Semax is taken
At Padgett, Semax comes as a nasal spray. Your provider sets the dose; the general pattern for each product is below.
- Nasal spray, 3.75 mg in 4 mL4 mL bottle. 1 spray in each nostril once a day.
- Nasal spray, 7.5 mg in 4 mL4 mL bottle. 1 spray in each nostril once a day.
- Nasal spray, 7.5 mg in 6 mL6 mL bottle. 1 spray in each nostril once a day.
Semax is a nasal spray, the route used in the published human research; it lets a small amount reach the brain. The HHS interim policy covers Semax only as a nasal spray.
Your provider picks the strength and sets your dose and schedule at your consultation.
Semax side effects and safety
Your provider reviews your health history and every medicine you take before prescribing.
Possible side effects
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Nasal irritation
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Allergic reaction
Tell your provider about any new symptom, or call (813) 888-7710. In a medical emergency, call 911.
Who should not take Semax
- People who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (there are no reproductive or developmental safety studies)
- People who are breastfeeding (no data)
- Anyone under 18 (safety has not been established)
- People with a bleeding disorder, an upcoming surgery or procedure, or who take blood thinners or antiplatelet medicines, unless the provider specifically approves it
- People with a history of stimulant or other substance misuse (Semax amplified amphetamine's dopamine effects in mice, and its abuse potential has not been studied)
- People with active cancer, unless their oncologist agrees (Semax raises growth-factor and blood vessel signaling in animal studies)
- Competitive athletes subject to drug testing (Semax is prohibited under World Anti-Doping Agency rules)
- Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to Semax
This is not a complete list. Your provider reviews your full health history before prescribing.
What is known about safety
Few human studies described side effects at all. Reviews describe Semax as generally well tolerated in the Russian literature, with mild nasal irritation and occasional short-lived agitation reported. FDA's 2026 review found the data too thin to describe its safety profile: there are no human pharmacokinetic studies and no adequate toxicity, reproductive or cancer studies.
FDA flagged three specific concerns. Bleeding: in rats, Semax and its breakdown product reduced clotting and platelet clumping, which could raise bleeding risk in people with bleeding problems or on blood thinners. Abuse potential: in mice, Semax amplified the dopamine release and hyperactivity caused by amphetamine, and abuse potential has not been studied. Immune reactions: peptides given by nasal spray or injection can trigger antibody responses, and clumping and impurities raise that risk.
FDA's adverse event database held one consumer report of lasting eye pain and burning after using Semax nasal drops bought online. Semax also raises growth factors such as BDNF, and how that signaling might affect existing tumors in people is unknown.
Medicines and interactions
No formal drug interaction studies exist for Semax. In mice, it strongly amplified amphetamine's dopamine release, so tell your provider if you take a stimulant ADHD medicine such as amphetamine salts, lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate: jitteriness, anxiety and insomnia could add up.
Semax reduced clotting in rats, so combining it with blood thinners, antiplatelet medicines or regular NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen may raise bleeding risk. It also changed serotonin and dopamine activity in rodents, so mention antidepressants and similar medicines. Give your provider a full list of your medicines and supplements.
Peptide quality
Prescribed and pharmacy-compounded, not "research grade"
At Padgett Medical Center in Tampa, peptides are prescribed only after a consultation with a licensed medical provider, and each one is compounded for the individual patient by a licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy. That is not the same as the "research grade" or "research use only" peptides sold online, which are labeled not for human use and are not made or checked to pharmacy standards for people, so there is no way to be sure of their strength, purity or sterility, or how well they will work.
| Prescribed and pharmacy-compounded at Padgett | Research-grade / research use only |
|---|---|
| Who decides it's right for you | |
| A licensed provider reviews your health history at a free consultation before anything is prescribed. | No one. You pick a vial from a website. |
| Where it's made | |
| A licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy, made for you to a prescription. | Unknown manufacturers, often overseas, selling "for research use only". |
| Meant for people? | |
| Yes. Compounded for a named patient to take. | No. Labeled not for human use or consumption. |
| Strength, purity and sterility | |
| Held to pharmacy compounding standards. | Not verified to pharmacy standards, so the dose and what else is in the vial are unknown. |
| Support while you take it | |
| Tell your provider about any side effect or question while you take it; they can adjust your plan. | You're on your own. |
| Price | |
| Published on every peptide page, and the consultation is free. | Cheap per vial, but you can't know what you're paying for. |
Regulatory status
Are these peptides FDA-approved? Where things stand in November 2026
No. BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, MOTS-c, Semax and Epitalon are not FDA-approved, and compounded medications are not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are prescribed.
On October 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a notice in the Federal Register about an interim policy for compounding these six peptides. It says HHS does not intend to take enforcement action against state-licensed pharmacies and licensed physicians that compound them for individual patients while the FDA completes formal rulemaking, as long as specific conditions are met. Those conditions include:
- A prescription for each patient
- A bulk ingredient from an FDA-registered manufacturer, tested for identity, purity, strength and contaminants
- One peptide per product, so no blends
- Only the forms the policy lists for each peptide (for example, Semax only as a nasal spray)
- For forms taken by mouth, documentation that enough of the peptide is absorbed in people
- Reporting serious side effects to the FDA
The policy is temporary and may change. The Federal Register notice announced it as a draft, open for public comment into mid-November 2026, so HHS may revise it, and HHS has said it may revisit it if safety or quality problems come up. The policy does not mean these peptides are proven safe or effective. It does not cover peptides sold as research chemicals or supplements.
Before it, in July 2026, an FDA advisory committee voted to recommend adding these six peptides to the list of substances pharmacies may compound from. FDA staff had recommended against it, citing limited human safety data, and the vote is advisory.
At Padgett Medical Center, peptides are prescribed only after a consultation with a licensed provider, and each one is compounded for you by a licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy.
Sources: Federal Register: notice of the HHS interim policy on 503A compounding of certain peptides, 91 FR 68526 (October 30, 2026), FR Doc. 2026-22192; Holland & Knight: HHS issues interim enforcement discretion policy for compounding of 6 peptides (November 4, 2026); FDA: Certain bulk drug substances for use in compounding that may present significant safety risks (content current April 22, 2026); Healio: FDA committee recommends looser restrictions for several peptides (July 24, 2026).
Semax questions, answered
What is Semax? Is it prescription only?
Semax is a lab-made peptide of seven amino acids, based on a small piece of the hormone ACTH but without that hormone's effects on cortisol. It was developed in Russia, where it is a registered medicine, and it is not approved in the U.S. At Padgett it is prescribed only after a consultation with a licensed provider. It is taken as a nasal spray and may support focus, memory and mental clarity.
Is Semax a treatment for ADHD? Can it replace my ADHD medicine?
No. No published clinical trial has tested Semax for ADHD, and FDA found no studies supporting that use. Semax is not a substitute for a prescribed ADHD medicine. Do not stop or change your ADHD medicine without talking to the provider who prescribes it. Padgett also offers adult ADHD treatment.
Can I use Semax with a stimulant like Adderall or Vyvanse?
Tell your provider before starting. In a mouse study, Semax strongly boosted the brain effects of amphetamine. It is not known how this plays out in people. Your provider decides whether the combination makes sense for you. If you do use both, watch for jitteriness, anxiety, a racing heart or trouble sleeping, and report them.
Will Semax help my focus, memory or brain fog?
It may. In animal studies, Semax raised BDNF, a brain growth factor linked to learning and memory. In small studies of healthy adults, it changed brain activity on scans. However, no large, placebo-controlled trial has shown that it improves focus, memory or brain fog in people, and results can vary from person to person.
What side effects can Semax cause?
Possible side effects include nasal irritation, headache, anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping, nausea, dizziness and allergic reactions. FDA has also raised a possible bleeding risk, based on animal studies showing reduced clotting, so use extra caution, and only with your provider's approval, if you take a blood thinner, an antiplatelet medicine or regular NSAIDs. Long-term effects have not been studied.
Is Semax FDA-approved?
No. Semax is registered as a medicine in Russia but is not approved in the U.S., and compounded peptides are not FDA-approved. At Padgett it is prescribed only after a consultation with a licensed provider, and it is compounded for the individual patient by a licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy.
Is Semax legal in Florida?
Semax is not FDA-approved, so the answer depends on how it is made and prescribed. On October 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a notice in the Federal Register about an interim policy for Semax and five other peptides. It says HHS does not intend to take enforcement action against state-licensed pharmacies and licensed physicians that compound them for individual patients while the FDA completes formal rulemaking, as long as conditions are met, including a prescription for each patient, a tested ingredient from an FDA-registered manufacturer and one peptide per product. For Semax, the policy covers only the nasal spray form. The policy does not cover products sold online as "research use only". It is temporary and may change, and Florida pharmacy and medical rules still apply. At Padgett Medical Center, Semax is prescribed after a consultation with a licensed provider and compounded by a licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy.
Where can I get Semax in Tampa?
At Padgett Medical Center, 6904 W. Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33625. You start with a free consultation with a licensed provider, in person at our Tampa clinic or by telehealth from anywhere in Florida. If Semax is right for you, a licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy compounds it for you, and you only pay for it if you start.
How is Padgett's Semax different from "research grade" Semax sold online?
"Research grade" or "research use only" Semax is labeled not for human use. It is not made or checked to pharmacy standards for people, so its strength, purity and sterility are unknown. A 2020 study identified Semax in seized preparations and found it sold online as a "research peptide", as a powder for injection or a nasal spray. At Padgett, Semax is prescribed only after a consultation with a licensed provider, and a licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy compounds it for you. Research-grade vs pharmacy-compounded peptides explains the difference.
How much does Semax cost?
The consultation is free, and nothing is charged when you book. You only pay for Semax if you start it. Semax at Padgett Medical Center in Tampa costs $125 (nasal spray, 3.75 mg in 4 mL, 4 mL bottle), $125 (nasal spray, 7.5 mg in 4 mL, 4 mL bottle) or $199 (nasal spray, 7.5 mg in 6 mL, 6 mL bottle). New patients who book online with a card on file get 10% off their first peptide order ($125 becomes $112.50). Nothing is charged when you book, and current patients pay the listed price.
Other peptides we offer
Each is prescribed after the same free consultation. You can ask about more than one.
- Recovery and healingBPC-157Also called Body Protection Compound-157, BPC 157May support healing of tendons, ligaments and injuries, and the gut lining.From $275BPC-157 in Tampa
- Recovery and healingTB-500Also called Thymosin Beta-4 fragment, TB500May support tissue repair, wound healing and muscle recovery.From $300TB-500 in Tampa
- Gut health and inflammationKPVAlso called Lysine-Proline-Valine, KPV peptideMay calm gut and skin inflammation and support the intestinal barrier.From $90KPV in Tampa
- Metabolism and energyMOTS-cAlso called MOTS-C, MOTScMay support insulin sensitivity, metabolism and exercise endurance.From $400MOTS-c in Tampa
- Sleep and healthy agingEpitalonAlso called Epithalon, EpitaloneMay support sleep quality and healthy cellular aging.From $250Epitalon in Tampa
Peptide guides
Semax and peptide therapy near you
Sources
- FDA briefing document: Semax-related bulk drug substances, Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee, July 23-24, 2026
- Dolotov OV, et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus. Brain Research, 2006 (PMID 16996037)
- Eremin KO, et al. Semax activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems in rodents. Neurochemical Research, 2005 (PMID 16362768)
- Gusev EI, et al. The efficacy of Semax in the treatment of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 2018 (PMID 29798983)
- Renke G, Chinellato L. Therapeutic peptides in aesthetic, metabolic and endocrine conditions (review). International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026 (PMC13164565)
- Vanhee C, et al. Cognitive enhancing research peptides (Semax, Selank) in seized preparations. Drug Testing and Analysis, 2020 (PMID 31667971)
- DLA Piper: FDA AdComm recommends adding six peptides to bulk list (July 2026)
- Federal Register: notice of the HHS interim policy on 503A compounding of certain peptides, 91 FR 68526 (October 30, 2026), FR Doc. 2026-22192
Free peptide consultation
Talk with a licensed provider about Semax
The consultation is free. You only pay for your peptides if you start. In person at our Tampa clinic or by telehealth anywhere in Florida, and new patients who book online with a card on file get 10% off their first peptide order.
Interested in more than one peptide? Pick them all when you book.
* Compounded peptides have not been approved by the FDA. They have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality, and none of the peptides on this site is an FDA-approved drug. The benefits described are possibilities from research, not promises, and results vary from person to person. A licensed provider decides at your consultation whether a peptide is right for you. This page is educational and is not medical advice.