Selank Side Effects | Clinical Data, Safety, and Risks

Selank is a peptide with purported nootropic and anxiolytic effects. Surely there must also be a host of Selank side effects, right?

The answer might be surprising.

Selank has been studied for applications like:

• Enhanced memory and learning
• Alcohol recovery
• Stress reduction

However, there is limited human data on the peptide’s safety and efficacy for these uses, which raises questions like:

• Do we have enough data to list an inventory of Selank side effects?
• Would any potential side effects deter future research?

This guide will walk researchers through the possible uses of Selank before diving into its side effects, precautions, and tips for safe use. We’ll also recommend where to buy Selank online.

---

What is Selank?

Selank is a synthetic peptide composed of seven amino acids. It was developed in the early 1990s at the Russian Academy of Sciences and mimics tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunopeptide. It is still used in Russia and Ukraine to treat conditions like generalized anxiety disorder [1].

Research into the peptide has revealed its potential to help treat or manage difficult conditions like chronic pain and learning disabilities [2].

Selank even has potential as an antiviral treatment. In 2009, an experiment examining the effects of Selank on in vitro and in vivo samples of an influenza virus revealed [3]:

“The pronounced antiviral effect of the agent was detected in both systems. Selank added to the cell culture 24 hours before inoculation (a preventive use scheme) showed the highest efficiency, by completely suppressing viral reproduction.”

Additionally, Selank is reported to exert benzodiazepine-like benefits without causing the serious adverse effects associated with benzodiazepines, such as delayed reaction times and addiction [4].

Selank is considered a research chemical outside of Russia and the CIS, and has not been approved for any use by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Is this regulatory status justified by a risk associated with Selank use, or is it simply a matter of needing more human data?

Let’s take a closer look at the existing research to see what we know about Selank safety thus far.

---

---

How Does Selank Work?

Selank produces effects in several bodily systems, particularly the immune system and central nervous system. Here are a few ways Selank may improve the health of treated subjects.

Selank may enhance immunity

In a study on patients with certain infectious diseases, Selank was shown to boost the gene expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines. These cytokines are instrumental in fighting viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases, indicating that Selank may be useful in ailments such as hepatitis C and tuberculosis [5].

Selank may regulate mood

Selank has potential as a mood regulator. In one study, researchers compared the effects of Selank to those of phenazepam—a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and schizophrenia. The patients who received Selank experienced reduced anxiety and an improved quality of life, and did not report any of the side effects typically associated with phenazepam [6].

Selank may improve cognitive function

Selank is also a purported nootropic, or cogntive enhancement agent. In one study, rats treated with Selank showed positive changes in the gene expression of multiple neurotransmitters associated with synaptic plasticity, which is essential to learning and memory throughout the lifespan [7].

Another rat study showed that Selank was as effective as the nootropic drug piracetam at activating the learning ability of rats of an initially low learning capacity. The peptide was also found to maximize learning ability in normal rats [8].

---

Common Selank Side Effects

While clinical data on Selank is limited, reputable peptide therapy clinics are able to prescribe it to patients. Anecdotal reports from these providers and their patients give us some insight into the possible side effects of Selank.

These side effects may occur alongside Selank use:

• Sinus pain
• Nasal irritation
• Sore throat/hoarseness
• Hair loss
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Depression

Some of these effects have more to do with the chosen route of administration than with Selank itself. Indeed, none of the reactions listed above have been confirmed in the literature as directly related to Selank use. Peptide use in general is associated with certain side effects, especially as the body adjusts to the new substance [9].

Since Selank may be administered intranasally or subcutaneously, many researchers opt to use Selank nasal spray. However, the intranasal delivery method itself may lead to side effects if done improperly [10].

Improper nasal administration could account for:

• Sinus pain
• Nasal irritation
• Sore throat/hoarseness

Another effective route of administration for Selank is subcutaneous injection. Even when done properly, this could be responsible for [11]:

• Pain, bruising, and/or swelling at injection site
• Dizziness

This leaves headache, fatigue, dizziness, anxiety, and depression as possible side effects that cannot be explained by the method of delivery. However, none of these symptoms have been reported frequently enough to merit qualifying as a known side effect of Selank. Further, none of these anecdotally reported effects have been considered severe in nature.

One of Selank’s main points of attraction is actually its lack of side effects, specifically when compared to the use of benzodiazepines, which can cause the user to experience memory loss, dependence, and withdrawals when the drug is discontinued. Selank is not known to lead to any of these effects, and in fact minimizes them when administered concurrently with benzodiazepines [4].

Overall, Selank appears to be a safe peptide when used appropriately. Continue reading to learn about precautions that should be taken when administering Selank.

---

Precautions and Contraindications

Based on available data, the following Selank precautions are advised.

Health Conditions

Selank does not have any documented contraindications and may actually improve certain health conditions. In one study, patients with anxiety-phobic, hypochondriac, and/or somatoform disorders who were given Selank along with phenazepam experienced greater relief from symptoms, and far fewer and milder adverse effects than those given phenazepam only [12].

Selank may also have an immunomodulating effect in depression, geriatric patients, and conditions of stress and infectious diseases. This may be due to the peptide’s ability to modulate the expression of interleukin-6, an inflammatory cytokine involved in many immune processes that may become suppressed or over-expressed in the aforementioned conditions [2, 13].

Drug-Drug Interactions

To date, there are few documented interactions between Selank and other drugs or medications. As mentioned, Selank has been proposed as an adjunct to benzodiazepine treatment. For example, it interacts with phenazepam in a way that enhances the latter’s positive effects while reducing its adverse effects [4, 12].

A study on rats showed that Selank also interacts with diazepam, making it more effective at reducing anxiety in animals exposed to stressful situations [14].

Semax is another peptide drug potentially enhanced by the addition of Selank. When administered concurrently, the two have been shown to work together to alleviate muscular and neurological symptoms experienced by those with neurodegenerative disorders [15].

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is no safety information on the use of Selank during pregnancy, lactation, or early childhood. Therefore, experts generally advise against the use of Selank by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Notably, in a 2006 study, researchers deprived unborn rats of oxygen to induce antenatal hypoxia, which causes developmental deficits, especially around cognitive functioning. When the test rats reached adulthood, they were given Selank, which increased their attention, learning capacity, and exploratory activity, while normalizing their serotonergic and noradrenergic systems. The study authors postulated that Selank may one day be applied as a restorative treatment in antenatal hypoxia patients [16].

Age Restrictions

Due to insufficient clinical data, researchers are advised to rule out study participants under the age of 18. Otherwise, there is no evidence that any age limitations should be imposed on the therapeutic use of Selank.

---

Tips for Safe Selank Use

To minimize possible complications resulting from Selank use, researchers are encouraged to understand proper dosing and administration protocols, how to monitor for reactions, and what to do in case of adverse events.

Proper Dosage and Administration

Selank for research is typically administered either via nasal spray or subcutaneously. Dosing recommendations and administration protocols differ for each.

Selank Nasal Spray

When administering Selank intranasally, pay special attention to the application technique. Here is a quick guide on how to properly administer Selank as a nasal spray [10]:

• • Intranasal Selank should be administered in 2-3 doses throughout the day for a total 750mcg-1g (if administering N-Acetyl Selank Amidate, start with 300-600mcg per day).
  • Subject should have clear nasal passages.
  • Tilt the subject’s head forward slightly.
  • Insert tip of applicator into one nostril, closing the other nostril with one finger.
  • Keep mouth closed.
  • Squeeze the applicator and instruct the subject to inhale gently.
  • Remove the applicator and have the subject take a few deep breaths.
  • Repeat on the other side to achieve the correct dose if needed.

Selank Injections

Common sense, hygiene, and technique are all important factors when administering Selank subcutaneously. Here is an example of a sound Selank protocol [17]:

• Injected Selank should be administered at a starting daily dose of 150-300mcg.
• Thoroughly wash hands, sanitize work area, and use only new sterile needles.
• Choose an injection site with sufficient adipose tissue, such as the stomach or thigh.
• Disinfect injection site by wiping with alcohol prep pad and let area dry.
• Pinch 2 inches of skin and quickly insert needle at a 45-90 degree angle.
• Slowly depress plunger to dispense entire dose of Selank.
• Remove needle and wipe area with alcohol prep pad.
• Apply a bandage if needed.

Monitoring Response

Keeping in mind the list of possible side effects, monitor research subject for any reactions following Selank administration. Some major symptoms to look out for are:

• Fever
• Flushing
• Blood pressure fluctuations
• Irregular heart activity
• Nausea
• Visual disturbances

Most Selank studies have been short in duration, commonly lasting from two to three weeks in duration. Experts recommend cycling the subject off Selank every two to three weeks of therapy for an equivalent break.

Recognizing and Addressing Adverse Reactions

If researchers notice any adverse reactions in the course of a Selank experiment, immediately discontinue use. Any alarming symptoms that do not cease or which appear to get worse over time must be timely addressed.

---

---

Where to Buy Selank Online? | 2024 Edition

Researchers who are comfortable with Selank’s safety and wish to pursue further research on this peptide must find a trustworthy peptide retailer.

We are fortunate to have two great vendors to recommend to researchers:

---

Selank Nasal Spray

Researchers set on the intranasal administration of Selank are encouraged to visit our preferred supplier of peptide nasal sprays:

Limitless Life

Here’s why we confidently endorse Limitless Life:

• Top Quality: Limitless Life puts all of the peptide products through extensive third-party testing so that their clients can rest assured about the purity and contents of their reference materials.
• User-Friendly Website: We love a website that puts education first. Along with its extensive supply of nootropic peptides, Limitless Life provides educational articles to help with research.
• Quick Delivery: One of our west coast-based team members placed an order with Limitless Life on a Saturday night and had her N-Acetyl Selank Amidate nasal spray by Tuesday. That’s a very impressive turnaround!

---

Selank Lyophilized Powder

For research-grade Selank for injection, our team fully backs:

Xcel Peptides

Xcel Peptides is a relatively new but well-respected company that places a high premium on product purity and satisfaction.

Check out the perks of buying reference materials from this company:

• Third-Party Testing: All Xcel Peptides products undergo comprehensive quality testing by the esteemed laboratory Janoshik, with clear certificates of analysis posted online on the vendor’s website.
  
• Total Privacy: Xcel Peptides utilizes SSL technology to keep information secure and private while shopping on their site. They encrypt orders and payment information, and the product will be delivered in discreet packaging.
• Excellent Support and Service: The vendor’s dedication to product purity is secondary only to their commitment to researcher satisfaction. Email  support any time of the day, and they will get back within one day.

---

Bacteriostatic Water for Selank

When opting for injectable Selank for research, there will be a need to safely reconstitute the compound with a solvent like bacteriostatic water.

Since Peptides.org prefers to provide researchers with the information they need to experiment with peptides, we have found a fantastic supplier that sells bacteriostatic water and more at an outstanding value. 

---

Using Selank Safely | Overall

Published research to date overwhelmingly points to Selank being safe for use when handled by qualified professionals.

Relatively minor Selank side effects have been reported anecdotally, but may very well be attributable to a preexisting condition, the body adjusting to a new treatment, or the route of administration.

Given the peptide’s broad range of potential uses, it appears that the minimal risk of side effects is worth the reward when it comes to Selank research.

Whether wanting to use Selank nasal spray or Selank lyophilized powder in research, be sure to document any adverse effects to add to the growing body of Selank data.

---