Peptide stacking means using two or more peptides together. The idea is straightforward: different peptides hit different pathways, so combining them can address multiple goals at once.
This guide covers the most common stacks, with specific doses and timing.
The big four stacks
1. CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin (growth hormone)
This is the most popular GH stack. The two peptides stimulate growth hormone through different mechanisms:
- CJC-1295 (no DAC) is a GHRH analog — it tells your pituitary to release GH
- Ipamorelin is a ghrelin mimetic — it triggers GH release through a separate receptor
Together they create both sustained and pulsatile GH release, which more closely mimics natural GH patterns than either peptide alone.
Typical protocol:
- CJC-1295: 100-300 mcg
- Ipamorelin: 200-300 mcg
- Inject together, subcutaneous, 30-60 minutes before bed
- Some protocols add a second dose in the morning on an empty stomach
- Use the CJC-1295/Ipamorelin calculator for exact syringe units
Why before bed: Growth hormone naturally spikes during deep sleep. Timing your injection to align with this window gets the most out of the peptides.
2. BPC-157 + TB-500 (healing and recovery)
The go-to stack for tissue repair. These two work through completely different mechanisms:
- BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and has studied effects on tendons, ligaments, gut lining, and muscle. Dose: 250-500 mcg, 2x daily. BPC-157 calculator
- TB-500 promotes cell migration and differentiation, with broader systemic effects on inflammation. Dose: 2-5 mg, 2x per week during loading, then weekly. TB-500 calculator
Typical protocol:
- BPC-157: 250 mcg morning + 250 mcg evening, subcutaneous near the injury site
- TB-500: 2.5 mg twice weekly for the first 4 weeks (loading), then 2.5 mg weekly
- You can inject both at the same time — no need to separate
- Run for 4-8 weeks depending on the injury
This stack is popular for tendon and joint injuries because BPC-157 targets local tissue repair while TB-500 addresses systemic inflammation.
3. Semax + Selank (cognitive function)
Both are Russian-developed nootropic peptides, but they work differently:
- Semax is an ACTH fragment — studied for memory, focus, and BDNF upregulation. Dose: 200-600 mcg, 1-2x daily. Semax peptide calculator
- Selank is a tuftsin analog — studied for anti-anxiety effects and immune modulation. Dose: 250-750 mcg, 1-2x daily. Selank calculator
Typical protocol:
- Both administered intranasally or subcutaneously
- Take in the morning or early afternoon (avoid evening — Semax can be stimulating)
- Can be taken at the same time
- 4-8 week cycles
The combination targets both focus/memory (Semax) and anxiety/stress response (Selank), which is why people pair them.
4. Metabolic peptides
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide both target GLP-1 receptors for appetite suppression and glucose regulation. Do not combine them — they overlap too much and stacking two GLP-1 agonists increases the risk of severe nausea, pancreatitis, and other GI side effects.
Pick one:
- Semaglutide: GLP-1 only, well-established, weekly injection
- Tirzepatide: dual GIP/GLP-1, stronger appetite suppression in trials, weekly injection
MOTS-c is a different class (mitochondrial peptide) and can be combined with other metabolic protocols since it works through AMPK activation rather than GLP-1. MOTS-c calculator
Timing your stack
Getting the timing right matters more than most people realize. Here's a practical framework:
| Peptide class | Best time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| GH releasers (CJC/Ipa) | 30-60 min before bed | Aligns with natural GH pulse during deep sleep |
| Healing (BPC-157) | Morning + evening | Maintains consistent blood levels for tissue repair |
| Healing (TB-500) | Any time, 2x/week | Long half-life (~24h), timing is less critical |
| Nootropics (Semax/Selank) | Morning | Semax can be stimulating; you want the cognitive effects during the day |
| Metabolic (Semaglutide/Tirz) | Same day each week | Long half-life (~7 days), consistency matters more than time of day |
| MOTS-c | Morning, empty stomach | Aligns with metabolic activity |
Space different classes by 2-3 hours when possible. GH-releasing peptides in particular should be taken on an empty stomach with no other peptides nearby, since elevated insulin or other hormones can blunt the GH response.
Cycling protocols
You shouldn't run peptides indefinitely. Cycling — planned breaks between periods of use — helps maintain receptor sensitivity and lets your body's natural systems recalibrate.
| Cycle type | On | Off | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short | 4 weeks | 2-4 weeks | Acute injury recovery (BPC-157/TB-500) |
| Standard | 8-12 weeks | 4-8 weeks | GH peptides, nootropics |
| Extended | 12-16 weeks | 8-12 weeks | Metabolic peptides (semaglutide, tirzepatide) |
Tips:
- Start one peptide at a time — wait 5-7 days before adding the next so you can isolate any side effects
- Don't introduce a new stack and a new diet/training protocol simultaneously
- Keep a simple log: date, peptide, dose, time, and any notes. A spreadsheet works fine.
What to watch for
Some practical warning signs that something isn't working:
- Water retention or joint pain on GH peptides — your dose may be too high
- Persistent nausea on metabolic peptides — slow your titration
- Headaches — common in the first week of many peptides, usually resolves
- No effect after 4 weeks — reassess your source, dosing, or reconstitution technique
If you're combining peptides and experience something unexpected, drop back to a single peptide and reintroduce one at a time.
References
- Lee C et al. "The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis." Cell Metab, 2015. PubMed
This guide is for educational purposes. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.