Protocol stack
Cognitive Enhancement Protocol — Advanced
This advanced protocol is designed for experienced users who have established their cognitive supplement foundation and want to add clinical-grade peptide support. Semax directly activates BDNF and NGF pathways — the two most important neurotropic factors for synaptic plasticity and cognitive resilience. Noopept modulates AMPA receptors for fast-acting cognitive enhancement and complements Semax's longer-term neuroplastic effects. Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 is added for GH axis optimisation: GH release during deep sleep drives the glymphatic clearance of metabolic waste from the brain — a process now understood to be fundamental to cognitive health and Alzheimer's prevention. This protocol requires an experienced prescribing practitioner and comprehensive baseline blood work before starting.
What's in this stack
300–600 mcg · Once daily
Timing: Morning — intranasal spray preferred for rapid CNS delivery
Prescription required. Begin at 300 mcg for the first 2 weeks. Intranasal delivery achieves near-immediate CNS effect via olfactory nerve — preferred over subcutaneous for cognitive applications. Cycle: 3 weeks on, 1 week off within the 8-week protocol.
Noopept
Prescription required10–20 mg · Twice daily
Timing: Morning and early afternoon — avoid late afternoon to prevent sleep disruption
Prescription required. Sublingual administration gives faster onset than oral. Begin at 10 mg twice daily. Pair with a choline source (Alpha-GPC 300 mg) to prevent headaches. Do not take after 3pm.
Alpha-GPC
300 mg · Twice daily
Timing: With each Noopept dose
Essential pairing with Noopept — Noopept increases acetylcholine receptor density; Alpha-GPC provides the substrate. Without this pairing, headaches are common. Available OTC in Australia.
NMN
1000 mg · Once daily
Timing: Morning, before food
NAD+ is the primary energy currency for neuronal mitochondria. Advanced cognitive work is metabolically expensive — NMN at 1g/day ensures neuronal energy production is not rate-limiting. Available OTC.
Lion's Mane (full-spectrum extract)
1000 mg · Once daily
Timing: Morning with food
The NGF support layer — works synergistically with Semax's direct TrkB activation. At this dose level, ensure product is dual-extracted and standardised. Continue throughout the cycle.
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295
Prescription required100–200 mcg each peptide · Once daily
Timing: Before sleep — aligns GH pulse with deep sleep phase for maximum glymphatic clearance
Prescription required. The GH-cognition axis: deep-sleep GH pulses drive glymphatic brain waste clearance, synaptic repair, and memory consolidation. Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 amplifies this natural process. Add after the first 2 weeks once Semax and Noopept are established.
Step-by-step guide
Semax — 300–600 mcg Once daily
Prescription requiredMorning — intranasal spray preferred for rapid CNS delivery
Prescription required. Begin at 300 mcg for the first 2 weeks. Intranasal delivery achieves near-immediate CNS effect via olfactory nerve — preferred over subcutaneous for cognitive applications. Cycle: 3 weeks on, 1 week off within the 8-week protocol.
Noopept — 10–20 mg Twice daily
Prescription requiredMorning and early afternoon — avoid late afternoon to prevent sleep disruption
Prescription required. Sublingual administration gives faster onset than oral. Begin at 10 mg twice daily. Pair with a choline source (Alpha-GPC 300 mg) to prevent headaches. Do not take after 3pm.
Alpha-GPC — 300 mg Twice daily
With each Noopept dose
Essential pairing with Noopept — Noopept increases acetylcholine receptor density; Alpha-GPC provides the substrate. Without this pairing, headaches are common. Available OTC in Australia.
NMN — 1000 mg Once daily
Morning, before food
NAD+ is the primary energy currency for neuronal mitochondria. Advanced cognitive work is metabolically expensive — NMN at 1g/day ensures neuronal energy production is not rate-limiting. Available OTC.
Lion's Mane (full-spectrum extract) — 1000 mg Once daily
Morning with food
The NGF support layer — works synergistically with Semax's direct TrkB activation. At this dose level, ensure product is dual-extracted and standardised. Continue throughout the cycle.
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 — 100–200 mcg each peptide Once daily
Prescription requiredBefore sleep — aligns GH pulse with deep sleep phase for maximum glymphatic clearance
Prescription required. The GH-cognition axis: deep-sleep GH pulses drive glymphatic brain waste clearance, synaptic repair, and memory consolidation. Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 amplifies this natural process. Add after the first 2 weeks once Semax and Noopept are established.
Free tool
Your protocol timeline
See your titration schedule, expected results, and blood work dates mapped to real calendar dates.
Protocol starts
16 Apr 2026Begin nootropic stack. Start sleep optimisation protocol. Establish cognitive performance baseline.
Week 0 · StartAdaptation
23 Apr 2026Initial neurochemical adaptation phase. Some users notice subtle changes in focus and clarity.
Week 1 · MilestoneSleep optimisation
30 Apr 2026Sleep quality improvements support cognitive gains. REM and deep sleep percentages should be tracked.
Week 2 · Expected resultCognitive gains
14 May 2026Sustained focus, verbal fluency, and working memory improvements typically emerge by week 4.
Week 4 · Expected resultProtocol assessment
11 June 2026Assess cognitive performance against baseline. Evaluate stack efficacy and consider adjustments.
Week 8 · Blood workTimelines are general estimates. Your prescribing practitioner will personalise your schedule.
Prescription required
All protocols listed on ProtocolHub require a prescription from an Australian AHPRA-registered medical practitioner. Do not attempt to self-prescribe or source peptides without medical supervision.
Get this protocol prescribed
Thrive Rx
Telehealth ClinicAustralia's most thorough longevity and peptide clinic — blood panel first, protocol second.
ProtocolHub may earn a commission if you visit this partner. This does not affect our ratings.
Alpha Edge Clinic
Telehealth ClinicSpecialist peptide therapy and body optimisation — telehealth with compounding pharmacy integration.
ProtocolHub may earn a commission if you visit this partner. This does not affect our ratings.
Related protocols
The Neuroscience Performance Protocol
Inspired by Andrew Huberman's publicly documented research — optimise testosterone, cognition, sleep, and GH axis.
GLP-1 Fat Loss Protocol
The clinically proven pathway for sustainable weight loss — combining GLP-1 therapy, targeted supplements, and a nutrition framework designed for Australian patients.
ProtocolHub provides educational information only. All peptide therapies require consultation with an AHPRA-registered medical practitioner. This site may earn affiliate commissions from partner referrals.
Not sure this is right for you?
Answer three questions and we'll match you to the best protocol for your goal, experience, and priorities.
Build your personalised protocol