VIP vs Oxytocin
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with profound anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and immunomodulatory effects. It plays a critical role in gut motility, circadian rhythm, and immune tolerance. Used therapeutically for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), MCAS, and inflammatory conditions.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- ~2 minutes in plasma (rapidly degraded by peptidases); intranasal delivery may extend local CNS effects
- ~3–5 minutes (IV); ~30–60 minutes (intranasal, CNS effects persist longer)
- Admin Route
- Intranasal, SubQ, IV
- Intranasal, SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 50 mcg (4 sprays of 12.5 mcg each)
- 20–40 IU
- Frequency
- 4x daily
- As needed (not daily long-term)
- Key Benefits
- Potent anti-inflammatory for CIRS and mold illness
- Improves pulmonary hypertension symptoms
- Regulates gut motility and IBS symptoms
- Modulates circadian rhythm and sleep quality
- Reduces mast cell activation (MCAS)
- Improves cognitive function in neuroinflammatory conditions
- Vasodilatory — reduces vascular resistance
- 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
- Side Effects
- Facial flushing (transient, intranasal)
- Mild nausea
- Headache at initiation
- Hypotension at high doses
- +1 more
- Mild uterine cramping (avoid in pregnancy)
- Nasal irritation (intranasal)
- Headache
- Potential emotional over-attachment or jealousy amplification
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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