Oxytocin
The 'bonding' peptide — also has modest appetite and stress effects.
Evidence
emerging
Legal status
rx only
Half-life
~3-5 minutes IV; longer intranasal
Routes
nasal · subq
What it is
Oxytocin is FDA-approved for labor induction; its off-label uses in social anxiety, autism and weight management are widely researched but inconsistent in outcome.
Mechanism
Activates oxytocin receptors involved in bonding, satiety and stress response.
Outcomes it's matched to
- STRENGTH45%
- STRENGTH40%
Safety
Generally well tolerated; rare hyponatremia at high doses.
- Pregnancy (unless indicated)
Legal context
Prescription compound (Pitocin/Syntocinon).