Introduction – What is Oxytocin Nasal Spray?
Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland of humans. Administered as a nasal spray, the effect of the hormone can easily be used over a longer period of time. Oxytocin is also called “cuddling hormone” because it is released during birth, mother-child bonding but also in the couple bond and among other things it mediates emotional bonding. Because of these interesting effects, the question has been investigated for some time as to what extent these effects can be exploited as a drug.
Indications
Clinical use is hoped for in the treatment of children with autism who have difficulty empathizing or bonding with others. Since autistic people often have low oxytocin levels, studies are being conducted to try to improve symptoms by using oxytocin. However, animal studies have shown that long-term use of oxytocin results in reduced long-term emotional attachment.
Therefore, further study results have to be awaited before a well-founded assessment of the effect on autism can be made. Oxytocin Nasal Spray has not been approved in Germany since 2008. There is currently no indication for the use of Oxytocin Nasal Spray – i.e. no approved indication. This is due to the fact that there are insufficient data on efficacy and drug safety for possible areas of application. Therefore, the prescription of Oxytocin Nasal Spray is “off-label”, i.e. outside the approved indication, and is therefore the particular responsibility of the prescribing physician.
Active ingredient, effect
The active ingredient of the oxytocin nasal spray is the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin has two important physical effects: The latter effect is mediated by a reflex that leads to a release of oxytocin in the pituitary gland via touch stimuli when the baby sucks. The contraction of the uterus is used therapeutically and birth can be induced by means of an oxytocin infusion.
If the uterus does not contract sufficiently during postpartum, oxytocin can help to reduce the risk of life-threatening bleeding. Oxytocin has several other physical effects, such as lowering blood pressure and stress hormone levels. On the psychological level, Oxytocin is involved in the formation of personal attachment, trust, love and loyalty.
Sensory perceptions such as hugs, caresses and sex are accompanied by a release of oxytocin, which leads to calming, well-being and bonding with the persons involved.
- The contraction of the uterus at birth and afterbirth
- The contraction of the muscle cells in the milk ducts of the female breast that trigger the flow of milk.
Oxytocin has no significant direct influence on milk production. It leads to the release of stored milk through a contraction of muscle cells in the mammary glands, whereas the production of milk is mainly regulated by the hormone prolactin.
