Possible Side Effects of Botox Injections

Just like any drug or medication, there are potential side effects when having Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) injections done. While most side effects are rare, or relatively harmless, there is the potential for life-threatening side effects. Before using Botox injections, you should be aware of potential side effects, make sure your physician or caregiver is aware of any medications you may be taking before you are treated with Botox. As well, make sure you let the doctor know if you have any medical conditions which affect your muscles or nerves- these types of diseases will make the it more likely that you will have side effects from Botox treatments.

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are breast-feeding or planning on becoming pregnant soon- do not use Botox injections. Botox injections are unsafe for the unborn child or a breast-feeding child, because they are getting their nutritional needs met by you. Steer clear of any physician or treatment provider who would encourage you to have Botox injections done during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.

Other reasons why you shouldn't use Botox injections include- already existing allergies to one or more of the ingredients in the Botox solution, if you have any infection of any type in any area where the Botox will be injected, or if you are taking any medication or herbal supplement that could interact with Botox. This is why it's important to discuss your medications and potential risks of Botox and interactions with your physician.

When Botox is used for the treatment

The most common side effects of Botox when injections are used for the purpose of reducing the appearance of wrinkles or lines in the face (cosmetic purposes) are: eyelids which droop, nausea (and/or vomiting, especially in the first day or so after the injections are done), pain in the face, weakness in the muscles, and very rarely- heartburn or indigestion, tooth or oral problems and even high blood pressure (very rare).

When Botox is used for the treatment of various medical conditions, some side effects that have been known to occur are: drooping of the eyelids, problems swallowing, vertical deviation (or misalignment) of the eye, upper respiratory infections have been known to occur, as well as neck or back pain and headaches occur in a small percentage of patients.

Depending on your over-all health and general fitness, some other side effects that have been known to occur with Botox injections include a cough, symptoms of flu- fever and/or chills, back and/or neck pain, runny nose, stuffy nose, dizziness or balance problems, soreness and/or bruising where the injection is done, general muscle weakness and fatigue, dry mouth or "cotton mouth," drowsiness or sleepiness, bleeding where the injection has been given, infection of the injection site, sore throat and/or mouth, and Botox injections have also been known to cause anxiety and/or panic attacks in a very small percentage of people.

It's important to discuss any potential side effects ahead of time with your physician or care-giver, and be aware of what's potentially life-threatening or isn't. An allergic reaction to Botox can be life-threatening and the symptoms of an allergic reaction are: a rash that can't be explained or that covers the entire body, hives and/or itching over the entire body, any unexplained swelling or redness of the skin (especially in the throat or face), and if you have any wheezing, problems breathing or swallowing- it's important to go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Wheezing, problems breath or swallowing, and/or throat swelling can be a sign of anaphylaxis and is life-threatening- seek help immediately if any of this occurs.

The average person isn't likely to experience any adverse effects from Botox injections or suffer an allergic reaction, but it's important to educate yourself, work closely with your physician, and be aware of your body. Your overall general health and well-being will usually determine the likelihood of infection, side effects or allergic reaction. It's also important to inform your physician of any medications, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, and even herbal supplements that you may be taking- he or she will then advise you as to whether or not it is safe to have Botox injections done or whether or not you should continue taking the medications while having Botox injections done.

When discussing Botox injections with your physician

Persons with already low immune systems, taking medications for heart problems, ALS or Alzheimer's disease are more likely to have side effects when using Botox, and they are often advised NOT to have Botox injections done. If you already have an infection in an area where the Botox injections are to be given, are on antibiotics or have any type of cardiovascular, neurological or muscular disorder- you are likely to be strongly discouraged from recieving Botox injections.

When discussing Botox injections with your physician, make sure you are completely honest about your general overall health, existing conditions, medications, etc. It's important to remember that Botox injections are not necessarily the proper treatment for each person, and above all, make sure you listen to your physician and heed his/her warnings and cautions concerning Botox and potential side effects or interactions. While most Botox side effects are relatively mild, and Botox only lasts for up to eight months- which means that side effects will disappear after that, continuing Botox injections will cause the side effects to continue.

When used in a proper environment by a licensed professional, Botox injections are relatively safe and side effects are usually minimal. Just discuss it with your physician and make sure that Botox is the right treatment for you.