Noopept vs Selank
Moderate Research vs Well Studied
compatible Researched · 90% Both enhance BDNF via different pathways.
Molecular Data
Noopept Selank
Weight 318.37 Da 751.89 Da
Half-life ~30 minutes (oral), active metabolite cycloprolylglycine persists longer 2-10 minutes
Chain — 7 amino acids
Type Dipeptide derivative (C17H22N2O4) Tuftsin analog
Key Benefits
Noopept
01 Enhanced memory formation and consolidation through upregulation of BDNF and NGF
02 Neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and amyloid-beta toxicity
03 Improved learning capacity and information retrieval via AMPA/NMDA receptor modulation
04 Ultra-low effective dose (10-30 mg) compared to classical racetams, reducing pill burden and cost
05 Anxiolytic properties observed at standard nootropic doses without sedation
06 Fast onset of subjective effects despite the short parent compound half-life, due to active metabolite persistence
Selank
01 Rapid onset anxiolytic effects
02 Enhanced BDNF expression (30% increase)
03 Improved stress resilience
04 Cognitive enhancement
05 Immune modulation
06 No tolerance or withdrawal
07 Neuroprotective effects
Dosing Protocols
Noopept
10-30 mg/day / Split AM/PM (sublingual or oral)
Selank
250-500mcg per dose / 1-2x daily (morning and/or evening)
Mild anxiety relief 250mcg 1x daily
Moderate anxiety/cognitive 250mcg 2x daily (morning & evening)
Intensive anxiety support 500mcg 1x daily (divided doses)
Cognitive enhancement 250-350mcg 1x daily (morning)
PTSD support 250mcg 2x daily
Immune support 250mcg 1x daily for 2-4 weeks
Side Effects
Noopept
Headache (most common side effect, typically caused by insufficient choline intake -- co-supplementation with Alpha-GPC or CDP-Choline usually resolves this)
Irritability and restlessness, particularly at doses exceeding 30 mg/day
Insomnia if taken too late in the day
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort when taken on an empty stomach
Selank
Minimal side effects - excellent safety profile
No sedation or cognitive impairment
No tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to Noopept or related compounds
Severe hepatic impairment (metabolized by the liver)
Severe renal impairment
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
Hypertension that is poorly controlled (due to potential mild pressor effects)
Known peptide allergies
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Consult healthcare provider with multiple psychiatric medications
Research Evidence
Noopept Selank
Status Moderate Research Well Studied
References 4 studies 5 studies
Latest — 2020
FDA Approved No No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.