Intranasal oxytocin did not reduce heavy drinking in a 12-week trial
What was studied
Animal studies suggest oxytocin reduces alcohol intake, and small human studies have been mixed. Participants took up to 70 IU a day of nasal oxytocin or a placebo spray for 12 weeks; the main measure was the share of heavy drinking days.
What was found
There was no significant difference in heavy drinking days over the 10-week main phase, nor in craving, mood, sleep or alcohol-related problems. A small, non-significant trend toward less drinking appeared in weeks 9 to 12, and people on oxytocin scored lower on anger and physical aggression at the end. Side effects were mild and similar in both groups; a reduced sense of smell was the most common in each.
What it doesn’t tell us
A negative result in 100 people doesn’t rule out benefit in particular subgroups or at higher doses, as the authors note, but it weakens the case for oxytocin as a general therapy for alcohol use disorder.