“Negatives to botox”
Botox: NOT worth it
Pain: Uncomfortable
I had gotten Botox twice before. The first time, I felt my Dermatologist used a bit too much as I had droopy eyelids, but was amazed at how my wrinkles on my forehead virtually disappeared. The second time, my Dermatologist used less Botox. It didn't last as long, but I had no drooping at all, with noticeable results.
My third time, I'd gone to a different Doctor who, like the first time, used too much, way too much. My side effects were much more intense as a result. My sinuses swelled up, my forehead felt very heavy, my eyelids drooped, my right eye had slightly blurred vision, I also had flu-like symptoms (queasy, fatigue, achy), bruising, and worst of all panic attacks!
This lasted for weeks. I was in the Emergency Department twice. The first time was Day three after my injections, which is about when Botox takes full effect. I had a feeling of doom come over me that I couldn't shake. It's strange to not be able to move your forehead at all after going throughout your life taking it for granted (The blurry vision was bad too). Palpitations started, shortness of breath, & increased blood pressure. I felt a tightness around my diaphragm/upper abdomen.
My Family Practice Doctor diagnosed me with a sinus infection and anxiety. Antibiotics seemed to help, but side effects from them caused more problems, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome. My second ER trip was from work as I suddenly had an increase in heartrate and blood pressure and shortness of breath, as well as tingling in the arms and hands.
I had one more episode outside the ER visits where I was able to calm myself down. I keep my Xanax handy just in case. It has been about 7 weeks now and I'm finally starting to feel more normal. My wrinkles are also starting to show again.
Botox is simply not worth the price. The only pro about it is that people don't believe me when I tell them how old I am. I only hope that my eyesight is not permanently damaged.
Feb 3, 2009Comments and replies (14)
5 posts
5 Apr 2009
I believe you because I am feeling some of your symptons. How is your sight going?
12 posts
6 Apr 2009
Sight is back to normal. Less sagging of eyelids now too. Still suffer with sinus congestion though and occasional anxiety.
5 posts
7 Apr 2009
I'm so glad to hear that your sight is back to normal. I guess I have to wait at least a month (hopefully less) for my flu symptons, heaviness on my forehead, and headaches to disappear. Meanwhile, I am meditating and relaxing every night and every morning. It really helps, especially for the anxiety. Thanks for your review, it was very helpful.
3 posts
28 Jun 2009
Thank you for posting this information. I am currently researching problems people are having with botox procedures. At this point, I am seeing strong indications of botox affecting other parts of the body (and mind). I am currently researching the side effects on the brain related to sleep, depression, anxiety and other conditions including RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome). It is interesting to note that botx is know to block acetylcholine. Current claims are that such blocking is done on a localized basis. Research also shows that botox can spread to other parts of the body including the brain. Linking the two together suggests that botox may have unwanted effects on acetylcholine regulation which may result in sleep disorder problems, anxiety, depression, etc. Can anyone reading this comment on similar complications related to botox treatments? Please be as specific as possible regarding when your treatment was done, side effects started and eventual recovery (or continuation of problems). please note that I am a researcher, not a physician. Consult with your physician before trying self-help treatments.
12 posts
29 Jun 2009
My anxiety started the third day after treatment and was my main symptom. Interesting that you mention RLS. I've only noticed that in the past few months, so is likely unrelated...5 months after treatment. I didn't suffer any depression. I think the sleep problems were due to the anxiety. Sinusitis was also a diagnoses of mine post botox.
3 posts
30 Jun 2009
Thank you for your information. I am finding that the effects of treatment may last (and progress) up to 6 months and am trying to determine if there are longer term effects as well. Have you experienced any of the following other symptoms: - Tinnitus (Ringing of the ears) - Heavy chest (short term after treatment) - Numbness of the legs Also, how chronic was your sleep issue (hours per night of sleep)?
12 posts
2 Jul 2009
Tinnitus I had before Botox due to an antibiotic I took years ago, therefore, unrelated. Heavy chest...hmmm, this should be more defined. I felt more like my diaphragm was tightening. I was eventually diagnosed with Gastritis;I could've had this before Botox as well, but was worse after Botox...could also be from stress as I was changing jobs. No numbness. My sleep issue was falling asleep. I took a sleep-aid in order to get 7 hours of sleep/night.
316 posts
21 Jul 2009
Were any of you taking antibiotics when you had the botox shots? If so, what type of antibiotics? I have had botox twice before and only experienced mild side effects. This time I was taking a tetracycline antibiotic (doxycycline) at the time and the side effects are horrendous - anxiety, panic attacks, uncontrollable crying, nausea, insomnia, flu-like symptoms, sinus infection etc etc etc. And the effects of the botox have been exacerbated - I only had 15 units in total dispersed across my frown lines, above my eyebrows, crows feet and bunny lines. Not a lot for all of these areas. My forehead is like cement, my face has dropped (I think partly due to bad placement of the crows feet shots) and I feel completely weak and fatigued but can't sleep. I thought my anxiety was because I hated the result but now I think it is the side effects of botox, made worse because I was taking antibiotics. Anyone else with the same problem? I just spoke with the "medicalsupp" guy in New York (yes I made a cell phone call to the US from Australia I feel so desperate) and he would encourage anyone with these symptoms to send him a private email. Please do. He is extremely nice and very helpful. He will not make you feel that it is all in your head.
24 Jul 2009
I myself am having the shortness of breath, pressure on diaphragm, heart palpitations, racing heart and anxiety symptoms. I had botox in my masseters and brow/forehead for a total of about 50 units 17 days ago. Did your symptoms come and go? One minute I will be fine, the next I feel like I can't breathe and my heart starts racing. How long did your symptoms last for? I can't take this much longer!
unregistered guest
25 Jul 2009
I had botox 2 days ago and have had a nasty headache, backache and neckache. I have also experienced palpitations. All of these symptoms have been sporadic. The results havent kicked in yet - well it has in my crows feet a bit but not in my brow area. I am taking Oracea which I have just found out is a tetracycline!