Description
Oxytocin Nasal Spray
What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It is known for it’s role in labor and breastfeeding, and helps mothers and babies bond. It is sometimes referred to as the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone” for its roles in sexual bonding and other social behaviors. Oxytocin is commonly administered in the form of a nasal spray because it allows the oxytocin to travel more readily to the brain directly through the bloodstream.
Oxytocin has been used for:
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Depression
- Emotional Bonding
- Female Orgasmic Disorder
- Obesity
- Postpartum Depression
- Relationship Enhancement
- Schizophrenia
- Sexual Dysfunction
Oxytocin side effects:
Overall, oxytocin nasal spray is well tolerated. Some patients report runny nose, watery eyes, headaches, and nasal discomfort. Oxytocin may also cause hypersensitive uterine reactions which may produce increased contractions.
Please consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
References:
M;, U.-M. K. P. (n.d.). [Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing]. Zeitschrift fur Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15834840/.
Lawson, E. A., Marengi, D. A., DeSanti, R. L., Holmes, T. M., Schoenfeld, D. A., & Tolley, C. J. (2015, May). Oxytocin reduces caloric intake in men. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4414748/.
Yatawara, C. J., Einfeld, S. L., Hickie, I. B., Davenport, T. A., & Guastella, A. J. (2016, September). The effect of oxytocin nasal spray on social interaction deficits observed in young children with autism: a randomized clinical crossover trial. Molecular psychiatry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4995545/.
Guastella, A. J., Ward, P. B., Hickie, I. B., Shahrestani, S., Hodge, M. A. R., Scott, E. M., & Langdon, R. (2015, July 3). A single dose of oxytocin nasal spray improves higher-order social cognition in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Research. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0920996415003205?via%3Dihub.
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