Vasopressin
Also known as: AVP · Arginine Vasopressin · ADH · Antidiuretic Hormone
Nonapeptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. Binds V1a, V1b, and V2 receptors — V2 in renal collecting ducts drives water reabsorption (antidiuretic effect); V1a in brain modulates social cognition, memory consolidation, and pair-bonding circuits. Intranasal administration crosses the blood-brain barrier in modest amounts and has been studied for memory and social behavior; subcutaneous use is rare outside clinical hyponatremia management.
At a glance
- Half-life
- 18 minutes
- Common route
- Intranasal
- Typical dose range
- 4–20mcg
- Stability (reconstituted)
- 14days refrigerated
Best timing
Intranasal, typically 1-2× daily. Effects on memory are subtle and not consistently replicated. Hydration status matters — vasopressin will conserve water, so avoid in users already volume-overloaded.
Contraindications
- Hyponatremia or SIADH
- Congestive heart failure (fluid retention risk)
- Severe coronary artery disease (V1 vasoconstriction)
- Pregnancy
Watch symptoms
- Headache, dizziness
- Nasal irritation with chronic intranasal use
- Reduced urine output (expected, but dose-dependent)
- Hyponatremia (excess water retention) — monitor sodium if chronic
- Vasoconstriction symptoms — pallor, abdominal cramps, chest tightness
Citations