What Is Oxytocin Spray and Does It Work?

What is oxytocin spray and does it work

Oxytocin has been used to assist or treat a wide variety of conditions, ranging from labor and delivery to anxiety, autism, obesity and more. Today, it’s available in an entirely new format: nasal spray.

Oxytocin nasal spray is a relatively recent option, but has already shown promise in treating a number of conditions. If you’re considering it for your needs, read on for a comprehensive overview of what it is, what Oxytocin spray feels like and whether Oxytocin is addictive.

What is Oxytocin Spray?

First, let’s take a look at just what Oxytocin spray is. This spray will be available through your doctor via prescription, but its primary use is restricted to childbirth. Other uses, such as for mental health, are not commonly implemented outside of research studies. However, it is possible that this drug will ultimately be offered commercially to treat mental health issues.

For now, an over-the-counter version of the product is coming soon to the market, and may be available at your local pharmacy. It is important to note that this product is not FDA-approved. The over-the-counter version is also not as strong as the prescription version, which is why its guidelines for use are very specific.

Oxytocin nasal spray is recommended for use as a supplement or a breastfeeding aid rather than as a treatment for autism or anxiety. While it has shown some off-label progress in areas such as obesity, this is also not a guarantee that the product will work for this purpose.

Of note, Oxytocin has been found to have a unique scent that can influence strangers by making the user seem more trustworthy. For the user, however, this is far from the only benefit — which is where the applications for mental health come in.

Is Oxytocin Nasal Spray Safe?

Before you consider using Oxytocin spray, you’ll want to know whether it’s safe. The good news is that this spray has shown no significant or serious adverse effects.

Research participants have tolerated the effects of use well, with more adverse effects reported by the placebo group, including in younger participants. The most common side effect found was increased thirst, followed by nasal discomfort.

Does Oxytocin Spray Work?

Commonly referred to as a “love” or “cuddle” hormone, Oxytocin has been shown to have overall positive effects. Still, much of the existing research on the effects of Oxytocin focused on use during pregnancy. These include speeding up labor, slowing bleeding after delivery, increasing lactation and more.

However, additional research has showed promise for impulse control, decreasing appetite, assisting with weight control and assisting with social functions, including for those with autism and PTSD. Some individuals have even seen the benefits in post-detox when overcoming alcoholism.

The research is still quite new, and there is little definitive evidence as to whether it is effective. Nevertheless, Oxytocin nasal spray can be an excellent option for a range of different situations and conditions, be it physical, psychological or mental.

Can You Get Addicted to Using Oxytocin Spray?

Is Oxytocin addictive? Research shows that the substance, and therefore Oxytocin spray, is not addictive at all.

While Oxytocin can make you feel good, and is primarily known for doing so, there is nothing to indicate that it causes addiction. Because it’s a naturally occurring hormone in the body, bolstering Oxytocin levels has much of the same effect with more amplified benefits.

However, that’s not to say there are no negative effects associated with Oxytocin, but that negative effects are not associated with addiction or compulsion to continue using the drug. Instead, those side effects will occur as a result of too much Oxytocin in the system at one time.

An overabundance of Oxytocin can result in watery eyes, runny nose, uterine bleed or seizures. Synthetic Oxytocin can cause arrhythmia or even cardiovascular symptoms when used in larger doses. Even in standard doses, side effects can occur, which includes increased levels of stress in social situations and hypersensitivity to stressful situations.

What is It Like Using Oxytocin?

Using Oxytocin, and especially Oxytocin nasal spray, is a simple process. The traditional forms of Oxytocin are injections and IV. Nasal sprays work in the same way as standard nasal sprays, which are used for allergies and are traditionally available over the counter.

So, what does Oxytocin nasal spray feel like? The nasal spray, and the act of spraying it directly into your nostril, can feel a little strange. The spray can feel like air or wet droplets, and may make your eyes water or feel like you need to sneeze, but the sensation is short-lived.

Note that if you spray it too far into the nostril (by putting the applicator too far up into the nostril), you may feel the spray going down the back of your throat, which means that it has not been used properly.

Are You Concerned You Are Addicted to Oxytocin Spray?

If you have been prescribed Oxytocin spray and think you may have become addicted, it’s important to reach out to a health care professional as soon as possible. While there is no research to indicate Oxytocin is addictive, your feelings and experiences are nevertheless valid and important to address.

Speaking with a professional will help you to better understand the situation you are in and how to handle potential side effects or concerns. Ultimately, they should be able to get you the assistance you need, understand what you are experiencing and formulate next steps.

Getting the Help You Deserve

If you are currently experiencing any mental health conditions, including stress, depression, anxiety or feelings of intense sadness, contacting a professional can make all the difference.

Restore Mental Health is available to help you overcome your current mental health concerns. Contact us anytime to find out more about your path forward to the life you deserve.