Selank and SSRIs (Antidepressants)

Currently, no clinical studies have been published evaluating the safety or efficacy of combining Selank with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine, or paroxetine. However, available data suggest that Selank and SSRIs work through different mechanisms.

SSRIs increase serotonin activity by inhibiting its reuptake, whereas Selank appears to act multidirectionally, involving modulation of the GABAergic system, regulation of endogenous opioid peptides, and changes in gene expression related to neurotransmitter systems [1–4]. Experimental studies also suggest that Selank may affect monoamine pathways, including serotonin-related signalling, although the exact mechanisms remain not fully understood [1].

Since neurochemical systems partially overlap, it cannot currently be determined whether the combination of Selank and SSRIs is beneficial, neutral, or potentially problematic. There is no evidence to suggest that Selank causes serotonin syndrome or produces significant pharmacological interactions with antidepressants. However, a lack of evidence should not be interpreted as confirmation of safety. Individuals taking prescription antidepressants should consult a qualified professional before considering the use of research peptides.

Can Selank Be Combined with Antidepressant Medications?

From the perspective of evidence-based medicine, there is currently insufficient information to make definitive recommendations regarding the concomitant use of Selank and antidepressants.

Interestingly, human studies suggest that Selank exhibits anxiolytic effects comparable to the benzodiazepine medazepam, while also displaying anti-asthenic and mild psychostimulant properties [5]. These observations have sparked interest in the potential of Selank to supplement existing psychiatric therapies. However, controlled studies evaluating its use as an adjunctive treatment alongside antidepressants have not yet been conducted.

Consequently, while there is currently no evidence to suggest significant adverse events from such a combination, there is also a lack of data to recommend it as an established therapeutic strategy.

Selank and Cannabis (THC)

No clinical trials have been conducted that directly assess the effects of combining Selank with cannabis or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Potential interactions are difficult to predict because cannabis can induce highly varied effects, including relaxation, sedation, anxiolysis, cognitive impairment, or even exacerbation of anxiety, depending on the individual, dose, and cannabinoid composition. In turn, Selank has demonstrated anxiolytic, anti-stress, and cognitive-regulatory properties in experimental and clinical studies [1,3,5].

Since both substances affect brain pathways related to mood, anxiety, and cognitive function, their combination could theoretically lead to additive, opposing, or unpredictable effects. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether such a combination is beneficial, neutral, or undesirable.

Selank and Alcohol

No studies have been published that directly evaluate the interactions between Selank and alcohol.

Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank has not shown significant sedation, muscle relaxant effects, risk of dependence, or significant cognitive impairment in clinical studies [5]. Experimental studies even suggest that Selank may partially attenuate some sedative effects induced by diazepam and olanzapine in animal models [6].

However, alcohol itself significantly influences GABA-ergic signalling, cognitive functions, reaction time, and judgement. As Selank also appears to modulate GABA receptor function through positive allosteric modulation [1], the effects of combining alcohol with Selank have not been adequately characterised. Therefore, evidence-based conclusions regarding the safety or efficacy of such a combination cannot currently be drawn.

A Party After Taking Drugs

Expression „Selank after drugs” It relates to the use of Selank after recreational or psychoactive substances.

Currently, there are no clinical trials evaluating Selank as a post-drug use, intoxication, or withdrawal management method. Although Selank exhibits anxiolytic and neuroregulatory properties, there is insufficient evidence to support its use in post-psychoactive substance recovery, detoxification, or intoxication symptom relief.

The potential role of Selank in these situations remains theoretical and requires future clinical research.

Does Selank Add Energy?

Does Selank Increase Energy Levels?

Selank is not classified as a stimulant and does not work in the same way as caffeine, amphetamines, or other traditional stimulants. Nevertheless, some data suggest that it may indirectly improve the subjectively perceived energy levels in some individuals.

In a randomised clinical trial involving patients with generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia, Selank demonstrated an anxiolytic effect comparable to medazepam, while also exhibiting anti-asthenic and psychostimulant properties [5]. Anti-asthenic effect refers to a reduction in mental fatigue, exhaustion, and a feeling of weakness. As a result, some individuals may experience improvements in motivation, mental endurance, or energy levels alongside a reduction in anxiety and mental exhaustion.

However, it should be stressed that these observations should not be interpreted as evidence of direct stimulation of the central nervous system.

Does Selank cause tiredness?

Published studies do not indicate that Selank frequently causes fatigue or sedation.

One of the features that distinguishes Selank from many traditional anti-anxiety medications is its favourable tolerance profile. Clinical studies have demonstrated anxiolytic effects without pronounced sedation, muscle relaxation, risk of dependence or cognitive impairment, which are often observed when using benzodiazepines [5].

Animal studies also suggest that Selank may limit the decrease in motor activity induced by diazepam and olanzapine [6]. These findings indicate that Selank is unlikely to cause significant sedation in most individuals.

Does Selank cause drowsiness?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that Selank consistently causes drowsiness.

Its anxiolytic action may promote feelings of calm and relaxation, which some individuals may subjectively interpret as drowsiness, particularly at high levels of anxiety or stress. However, available studies describe Selank as a peptide that induces anxiolytic effects while maintaining normal cognitive and behavioural functions [1,5].

Therefore, Selank should not be considered a calming or sleeping peptide. Its action seems to lie more in emotional stabilisation and reducing reactivity to stress rather than directly inducing sedation.

Scientific Summary

Current evidence suggests that:

• Selank may indirectly improve subjectively felt energy levels by reducing mental fatigue and anxiety-related symptoms.
• Selank is not considered a classic stimulant and does not appear to cause direct central nervous system stimulation.
• Published studies do not indicate that Selank frequently causes significant sedation or drowsiness.
• The effects of combining Selank with SSRIs, antidepressants, cannabis, alcohol or recreational substances have not been adequately studied.
• Further clinical studies are needed to better determine the safety and effects of these potential combinations.

Disclaimer

The content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional recommendation. Selank has not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of anxiety, fatigue, depression, or any other condition. Much of the available data comes from experimental studies and limited clinical trials. Information regarding interactions with medications, alcohol, cannabis, or other substances is for educational purposes only and should not substitute advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

References

[1] Vyunova, T. V., Andreeva, L., Shevchenko, K., & Myasoedov, N. F. (2018). Peptide-based anxiolytics: The molecular aspects of heptapeptide Selank biological activity. Protein and Peptide Letters, 25(10), 914-923. https://doi.org/10.2174/0929866525666180925144642

[2] Zozulya, A. A., Kost, N. V., Sokolov, O. Y., Gabaeva, M. V., Grivennikov, I. A., Andreeva, L. N., Zolotarev, Y. A., Ivanov, S. V., Andryushchenko, A. V., Myasoedov, N. F., & Smulevich, A. B. (2001). The inhibitory effect of Selank on enkephalin-degrading enzymes as a possible mechanism of its anxiolytic activity. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 131, 315–317. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1017979514274

[3] Andreeva, L. A., Nagaev, I. Y., Mezentseva, M. V., Shapoval, I. M., Podchernyaeva, R. Y., Shcherbenko, V. E., Potapova, L. A., Russu, L. I., Ershov, F. I., & Myasoedov, N. F. (2010). Antiviral properties of structural fragments of the peptide Selank. Doklady Biological Sciences, 431, 79–82. https://doi.org/10.1134/S0012496610020031

[4] Levitskaya, N. G., Andreeva, L. A., Mezentseva, M. V., Shapoval, I. M., Podchernyaeva, R. Y., Shcherbenko, V. E., Potapova, L. A., Russu, L. I., Ershov, F. I., & Myasoedov, N. F. (2010). Intranasal administration of the peptide Selank regulates BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus in vivo. Doklady Biological Sciences, 431, 79–82.

[5] Zozulia, A. A., Neznamov, G. G., Siuniakov, T. S., Kost, N. V., Gabaeva, M. V., Sokolov, O. Y., Serebriakova, E. V., Siranchieva, O. A., Andriushenko, A. V., Telesheva, E. S., Siuniakov, S. A., Smulevich, A. B., Myasoedov, N. F., & Seredenin, S. B. (2008). Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic Selank in the therapy of generalised anxiety disorders and neurasthenia. The Korsakov Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry, 108(4), 38-48. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18454096/

[6] Kost, N. V., Sokolov, O. Y., Zozulya, S. A., & Myasoedov, N. F. (2025). Combined action of benzodiazepine tranquillisers and the peptide anxiolytic Selank in BALB/c mice. Neurochemical Journal, 19, 743–748. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1819712425700783