Oxytocin has been used in treating a wide variety of conditions, ranging from labor and delivery to anxiety, autism, obesity, and more. Now, it is available in a convenient new format: nasal spray. But can you take oxytocin? And, is it true that oxytocin nasal spray works for anxiety?
Oxytocin nasal spray is a relatively recent treatment option that has shown promise in several conditions. However, before asking your doctor if you can take oxytocin, consider this comprehensive overview of: what it is; experiences with oxytocin nasal spray and what it feels like; whether it is addictive, and other considerations.
What Is Oxytocin Spray?
Oxytocin is a “neuropeptide,” administered via injection or nasal spray. It is available by prescription under the brand names of Pitocin, a lab-made oxytocin, and Syntocinon. However, its primary FDA-approved use is restricted to childbirth.
Other Potential Uses
Other uses, such as for mental health, are not commonly implemented outside of research studies. However, this drug may ultimately be offered commercially to treat mental health issues and psychiatric disorders.
These include:
- Autism
- Anxiety
- Arachnophobia
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depressive disorders
- Mood disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Social anxiety disorder
- Post-natal depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
An over-the-counter (OTC) product is coming to the market soon and may be available at your local pharmacy. It is important to note that this product is not FDA-approved. Furthermore, the OTC version is also not as strong as the prescription version, which is why its guidelines for use are precise.
Oxytocin Nasal Spray for Anxiety
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 does not guarantee that the product will work for this purpose.
Interestingly, oxytocin has been found to have a unique scent that can influence strangers by making the user seem more trustworthy. How does this work?
- Researchers found that taking oxytocin intranasally may increase others’ expectations of kindness and trustworthiness.
- Another theory is that oxytocin nasal spray may reduce the fear of betrayal and cautiousness.
- Since caution is a trust component, some researchers suggest oxytocin is more of an “assurance” hormone than a “trust” one.
- Promoting compassion, positive interpersonal communication, and anxiety-free eye-gazing are other ways oxytocin spray may benefit those with social anxiety disorder.
Is Oxytocin Nasal Spray Safe?
Before you consider using oxytocin nasal spray for anxiety or other conditions, you’ll want to know whether it’s safe. Can you take oxytocin? 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 was increased thirst, followed by nasal discomfort.
Does Oxytocin Spray Work?
Commonly referred to as a “love” or “cuddle” hormone, oxytocin has shown overall positive effects. Still, much of the existing research on its effects focused on use during pregnancy. These include speeding up labor, slowing post-delivery bleeding, increasing lactation, and more.
- However, additional research has shown promise for impulse control, decreasing appetite, assisting with weight control, boosting mood, and assisting with social functions, including for those with autism and PTSD. Some individuals have even seen the benefits of post-detox when overcoming alcoholism.
- The research is still relatively new, and there is little definitive evidence of its effectiveness. Some studies purportedly show oxytocin medication may worsen anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, oxytocin nasal spray can be an excellent option for various situations and conditions, whether physical, psychological, or mental.
- Clinical studies indicate a favorable profile for oxytocin spray’s safety. Furthermore, the spray enhances positive emotions, helps refine some social skills, and even helps mitigate some of the fear of public speaking. This can be a hopeful experience for those seeking a convenient, effective, and safe way to overcome certain types of anxiety.
Can You Get Addicted to Using Oxytocin Spray?
Is oxytocin addictive? Research shows that the substance, and therefore oxytocin spray, is not addictive. Besides, oxytocin is not a controlled drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
While oxytocin can make you feel good and is primarily known for doing so, there is no evidence 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 oxytocin has no associated adverse effects, but that negative effects are not linked to addiction or compulsive use. Instead, those side effects will co-occur due to too much oxytocin. So, taking more of it than indicated (or prescribed) is not better.
Side Effects of Oxytocin Spray
So, can you take oxytocin? Be aware that an overabundance of oxytocin in your system can result in:
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Seizures
- Uterine bleeding
- Vomiting
- Watery eyes
Synthetic oxytocin spray, taken in large doses, can potentially cause serious side effects:
- Anaphylactic reaction
- Arrhythmia
- Blurry vision
- Cardiovascular symptoms
- Confusion
- Intense headache, pounding in ears or neck
- Profuse, excessive bleeding post-childbirth
- Rapid, uneven, or slow heart rate
- Severe weakness
- Unsteadiness
However, even in standard doses, side effects can occur, including increased stress levels in social situations and hypersensitivity to stressful situations. Can you take oxytocin if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) or a cerebrovascular dysfunction? For the best advice, you should always consult with your doctor.
Oxytocin Drug and OTC Interactions
It’s also vital to understand that taking oxytocin nasal spray may interact with certain medications, even OTC medicines.
- Moderate interactions may occur with adrenaline (epinephrine), Zofran (ondansetron), and Zoloft (sertraline).
- Major interactions may occur with hemabate (carboprost).
What Is the Oxytocin Nasal Spray Experience?
Using oxytocin, and especially oxytocin nasal spray, is a simple process. The traditional forms of oxytocin are injections and IV. Nasal sprays work the same way as standard nasal sprays that are used for allergies and are traditionally available over the counter.
- So, what does the oxytocin nasal spray experience feel like? Spraying it directly into your nostril can initially feel a little strange. The spray can feel like air or wet droplets and may make your eyes water or make you feel like you need to sneeze, but the sensation is short-lived.
- If you spray it too far into the nostril (by putting the applicator too far up into it), you may feel the spray going down the back of your throat, meaning you’re misusing it.
Concerned You Are Addicted to Oxytocin Spray?
If you have been prescribed oxytocin spray and worry or think you may have become addicted, it’s essential to reach out to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. While there is no research to indicate oxytocin is addictive, your feelings and experiences are nevertheless valid and necessary to address.
Besides, speaking with a professional will help you better understand your situation and how to handle potential side effects or concerns. Ultimately, they should be able to get you the assistance you need, know what you are experiencing, and formulate the next steps, including whether you can take oxytocin, especially oxytocin nasal spray, for anxiety or other mental health disorders.
Getting the Help You Need and Deserve
If you are currently experiencing any mental health conditions, including stress, depression, anxiety, mood swings, or feelings of intense sadness, our experts are here to help. It isn’t necessary to continue feeling bad when information and reassurance are readily available. Contact us anytime, day or night.
