Reviewed by Dr. Jason Wright, D.O. · September 23, 2026
The science
How it works
Built from tuftsin
A seven–amino acid peptide based on tuftsin, a natural immune peptide, with a stabilizing tail added.
Works on GABA signalling
Influences the GABA system, the brain’s main calming pathway, which is the proposed basis for its anti-anxiety effect.
Affects serotonin and enkephalins
Animal research shows changes in serotonin turnover and in enkephalin breakdown, both tied to mood and stress tolerance.
Calm without sedation
Unlike benzodiazepines, it has not shown sedation or dependence in studies, though it is still used in defined courses.
Most evidence comes from Russian clinical and animal research, where Selank has been used as nasal drops.
Dosing
Your dosing plan
Dr. Wright sets your exact dose within this range at your visit.
Standard protocol
FormNasal spray
Dose1 spray in each nostril (500 mcg)
ScheduleOnce daily
Based onRussian clinical use, pharmacy labeling
Course
Form—
Dose2 to 4 weeks
ScheduleThen 2 to 4 weeks off
Based onClinical practice
Starting
FormNasal spray
Dose1 spray in one nostril (250 mcg)
ScheduleFirst week
Based onClinical practice
Side effects
Side effects and what to expect
Nasal irritation or runny noseCommon · First few days
Alternate nostrils. Let us know if it persists.
TirednessUncommon · First doses
Usually passes.
HeadacheUncommon · First week
Stay hydrated.
Mood changesRare · Any time
Let us know promptly.
A note from Dr. Wright
Calm without sedation is the goal, and Selank is the one peptide I use for that. Short courses, and it’s support alongside whatever else you’re doing for anxiety, not a replacement for it.
Dr. Jason Wright, D.O. · Board certified, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
Cost & access
Getting started with Selank
Selank
15 mL nasal spray (2.5 mg/mL, 250 mcg per spray) · Labeled in your name
15 mL nasal spray (2.5 mg/mL, 250 mcg per spray)$190
Questions
Common questions
Will it make me sleepy?
Selank is known for calming without sedation.
Is it habit-forming?
Studies haven’t shown dependence, but it’s still used in defined courses.
Selank or Semax?
Selank leans toward calm and stress resilience; Semax toward focus. Dr. Wright will help you choose.
Can I take it with my antidepressant?
Only with Dr. Wright’s review, and not started at the same time as a new medication.
How do I use the spray?
Prime it before the first use, keep your head upright, and spray into the nostril while breathing in gently. Store it in the refrigerator after opening and keep it out of light.
Research
Supporting studies
Efficacy of selank in generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia
Zozulia AA, et al. Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii, 2008