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Oxytocin blocks the development of tolerance and attenuates withdrawal symptoms in rodents. This double-blind, randomized study examined effects of oxytocin on alcohol withdrawal symptoms in humans.
The 11 actively drinking, alcohol-dependent participants (9 men; average age, 41) with a history of withdrawal symptoms but not of alcohol withdrawal seizures or delirium tremens underwent inpatient alcohol detoxification. Seven participants received intranasal oxytocin 24 IU twice daily for 3 days, and four received matching intranasal placebo. Lorazepam was given as needed, based on withdrawal symptoms. Oxytocin recipients required almost five times less lorazepam than the placebo recipients and had significantly lower withdrawal ratings on day…