What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a peptide hormone made by the pituitary gland that triggers contractions, controls milk let-down and is involved in bonding and social behaviour in the brain. Medically it is used in obstetrics; as a nasal spray it is promoted online for libido, closeness or “social skills”.
How well studied is Oxytocin?
In obstetrics (inducing labour, bleeding after birth) its efficacy is well established. For nasal spray aimed at social or sexual goals the picture is disappointing: a controlled trial in adults with autism (Scientific Reports 2021, 25 participants) found hardly any effects, and overall results are inconsistent. Robust data on libido or sexual function are lacking.
What side effects and risks does Oxytocin have?
In clinical use: excessive contractions, heart rhythm disturbances, blood-pressure changes and, due to its antidiuretic effect, water intoxication with low sodium. With nasal spray used without medical supervision, content and purity are unknown; in pregnancy oxytocin can trigger contractions.
Is Oxytocin approved in Germany?
In short: yes. Approved and prescription-only in Germany as an injection/infusion solution for obstetrics; according to available data, no nasal spray is on the market here (it is in Switzerland). Not explicitly named on the WADA Prohibited List – ask the national anti-doping agency if in doubt. Nasal sprays from the internet are not legally marketable and have no quality control.
Sources
- Gelbe Liste: Oxytocin
- Scientific Reports 2021: RCT zu intranasalem Oxytocin und Empathie bei Autismus
Note: We deliberately do not list any doses here. For approved medicines, your doctor sets the dose; for unapproved substances there is no reliable information.