Insomnia and Anxiety After Botox

asked 3 years ago by babalulu in ca
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 4,710 times
Tags: anxiety, insomnia, side effects

I had Botox done 6 times. The first 3 times I had no side effects. The latest 3 times, I got a wicked sinus infection, and an insomnia that's so bad, even 6 over the counter sleeping pills can't do anything. I also have a general feelng of weirdness and anxiety. I've done about 18 units each time. I need to get it done again, but can't go through another month of that after these side effects subside. A lot of people on message boards have experienced the same thing. What are my options here?

7 answers to Insomnia and Anxiety After Botox

The liquid in which Botox was diluted could be a problem

Ask one of the doctors who has treated you to contact Allergan, the company who distributes the Botox Cosmetic. The doctor can ask the company if they are aware of similar reports and if they have any idea why you might be getting your side effects. There is always the chance that it is the liquid with which the Botox was diluted that is causing the symptoms rather than the Botox. For example, it may be the preservative in the liquid if that is in fact what has been used. However, I am not... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Unusual response to Botox

I am sorry to hear about your experience, it sounds very frustrating. I have to say that I have not seen that type of reaction though, and I have done more than a thousand botox injections. The pattern you describe sounds fairly consistent, which would imply that it isn't a coincidence, although that is of course possible. Another explanation would be an allergic reaction. Really the only way you would know is another injection, there isn't a test that I know of. If it turns out that you... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Reloxin may be a better product for you once it's FDA-approved

Your side effects are unusual. Personally, I have not observed your specific complaints in my patients. However, I realize that after 23 years in practice, everyone is different and responds differently to various medications. I do not think reducing the dosage or units of Botox would make a difference. What may help is another type of botulinum product. Medicis Corporation is awaiting FDA approval for their botulinum product which has been named Reloxin. Reloxin will directly compete... more

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Englewood Plastic Surgeon

Botox treatment does not cause sinus infections

Botox treatment does not cause sinus infections. On the other hand, a true sinus infection could account for you insomnia. The general feelings of weirdness and anxiety are more interesting and I would be less likely to dismiss their association with the BOTOX treatment. You did not tell us exactly where in the face you are getting treatment. It is important to understand that our emotional state and our facial appearance are closely linked. We learn to control our emotions as infants... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Flu-like symptoms can occur with Botox

Sometimes patients get a flu like feeling after Botox. Although I personally have not had any patients with the side effects you describe, I would suggest not to have Botox again. Three times is unlikely to be a coincidence. Also, 18 units is a small dose. Why try a dose (i.e.) 6 units, that is not going to give a clinical result? There are other Botox like products coming to the market. Dysport may be worth trying. It doesn't seem to last as long but it is made by a different company and... more

Lenore Sikorski, MD
Laguna Niguel Dermatologic Surgeon

Sounds like an unusual hypersensitivity/immune reaction to Botox.

I sympathize with you and would not wish to go through a month of those symptoms either. Consider a trial of 3 units of Myobloc (Botulinum Toxin B) - it is a different protein than Botox. Alternatively, if you are going to try Botox again, consider waiting 6 months before challenging with a small number of units. Good luck.

Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist

These are not typical side-effects

Babalulu, The side effects that you are describing are not typical and I am curious about the causal association. Also, you are using very little Botox. If you are having these symptoms and are certain that they are from the Botox, then you should stop using it. You should talk to your doctor about alternative preparations of Botox (Myobloc) or different procedures to help you acheive a similar effect.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

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