Oxytocin vs Selank
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Oxytocin is a 9-amino acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus with diverse roles in social bonding, trust, stress reduction, and sexual function. Exogenous administration is used therapeutically to improve social cognition, reduce anxiety, and enhance intimacy.
- Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin developed in Russia. It is a potent anxiolytic that reduces anxiety and enhances cognitive function without sedation or addiction. It is approved for clinical use in Russia for anxiety disorders.
- Half-Life
- ~3–5 minutes (IV); ~30–60 minutes (intranasal, CNS effects persist longer)
- Minutes (but effects persist for hours)
- Admin Route
- Intranasal, SubQ, IV
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 20–40 IU
- 250–500 mcg
- Frequency
- As needed (not daily long-term)
- 1–3 times daily
- Key Benefits
- Enhances social bonding and trust
- Reduces social anxiety and fear of rejection
- Improves autism spectrum symptoms (social cognition)
- Reduces cortisol and stress reactivity
- Enhances sexual arousal and intimacy
- Promotes maternal behavior and bonding
- May improve depressive symptoms
- Appetite suppression and metabolic effects
- Reduces anxiety without sedation
- Enhances memory and learning
- Improves focus and concentration
- Stabilizes mood
- Reduces physiological stress response
- May enhance motivation
- No addiction potential or withdrawal
- Fast-acting — effects within 20–30 minutes
- Approved clinically in Russia for anxiety disorders
- Side Effects
- Mild uterine cramping (avoid in pregnancy)
- Nasal irritation (intranasal)
- Headache
- Potential emotional over-attachment or jealousy amplification
- +2 more
- Mild sedation at higher doses (paradoxical)
- Fatigue (rare)
- Irritability during discontinuation (uncommon)
- Stacks With
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