Oxytocin vs Liraglutide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a natural hormone produced in the hypothalamus, often called the 'love hormone' or 'bonding hormone.' It plays key roles in social bonding, childbirth, lactation, and stress regulation.
Full details →Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved as Victoza for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for chronic weight management. It was one of the first daily GLP-1 agonists and paved the way for newer weekly options like semaglutide.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Oxytocin | Liraglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to oxytocin receptors in the brain and peripheral tissues. Promotes social bonding, reduces anxiety and stress response, and has various peripheral effects on smooth muscle contraction. | Binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors, stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite through central nervous system effects. |
| Typical Dosage | Intranasal: 20-40 IU (international units) for social/anxiolytic effects. Clinical uses (labor induction) require IV administration under medical supervision. | Saxenda (weight loss): Start 0.6mg daily, increase weekly by 0.6mg to maintenance dose of 3mg daily. Victoza (diabetes): 0.6mg to 1.8mg daily. |
| Administration | Intranasal spray for behavioral effects. IV only in clinical settings. Sublingual also possible. Best used situationally rather than continuously. | Subcutaneous injection once daily at any time, independent of meals. Rotate injection sites. Can be used with oral diabetes medications. |
| Side Effects | Intranasal: headache, nasal irritation, drowsiness. May cause over-attachment or emotional sensitivity. IV (clinical): uterine hyperstimulation, water retention. | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, decreased appetite. GI effects typically diminish over time with continued use. |
| Best For |