I just found this website (i.e., Botox Forum) and can't believe the information from the other posts regarding Botox side effects. I am a 40 y.o. female, and have had chronic daily headaches and classic migraines for over 18 years. The headache never, not even for one day, goes away. After 6 neurologists, trying practically every class of drug to treat the headaches, undergoing some questionable/unsafe medical procedures, and experimental brain surgery, I still have headaches.
I recently started seeing a neurolgist again after not going to one for over 7 years. My specific reason to start with neurology, again, was to get Botox injections. I got the injections 25 days ago. It not only hasn't helped my chronic daily headace, but the occasional classic migraine has become much more frequent. I take Imitrex for the migraines. I have certainly been taking Imitrex more frequently since the Botox treatments. I've also complained about my neck hurting. The only way I can describe the neck pain is that it's hard to hold my head up, like it's too heavy. Pain medications do help, but my goal was to "fix" the headaches with Botox, and then need less medication (not more)!
Sorry to have read these comments about other people suffering. But, I am thrilled at the same time. To know others are having the same side effects is encouraging. And, as someone else posted: the headaches went away when the Botox wore off.
I believe when I see my neurologist next week, I'll be talking to him about this forum, about my side effects, and that I don't think Botox is the answer for my headaches. But, it was worth a try!!
Also, just an FYI (i.e., something I learned in pharmacy school years ago): Overuse of any drug to treat a headache (i.e., ibuprofen, acetaminophen, prescription pain killers, and even drugs such as Imitrex) can make headaches worse instead of better if they are "overused". Ideally, you shouldn't take pain meds of any sort more than 3 days per week. Using something as safe as over-the-counter ibuprofen can make your headache(s) worse because all of these drugs cause rebound headaches. That being said, I find it impossible to follow these "rules" because I'm desperate for pain relief, like most of us are.
Thanks for the info. Soooooo very helpful!
Recent comments
Posted to How long did your Botox headache last? on 10 Sep 2012
I recently started seeing a neurolgist again after not going to one for over 7 years. My specific reason to start with neurology, again, was to get Botox injections. I got the injections 25 days ago. It not only hasn't helped my chronic daily headace, but the occasional classic migraine has become much more frequent. I take Imitrex for the migraines. I have certainly been taking Imitrex more frequently since the Botox treatments. I've also complained about my neck hurting. The only way I can describe the neck pain is that it's hard to hold my head up, like it's too heavy. Pain medications do help, but my goal was to "fix" the headaches with Botox, and then need less medication (not more)!
Sorry to have read these comments about other people suffering. But, I am thrilled at the same time. To know others are having the same side effects is encouraging. And, as someone else posted: the headaches went away when the Botox wore off.
I believe when I see my neurologist next week, I'll be talking to him about this forum, about my side effects, and that I don't think Botox is the answer for my headaches. But, it was worth a try!!
Also, just an FYI (i.e., something I learned in pharmacy school years ago): Overuse of any drug to treat a headache (i.e., ibuprofen, acetaminophen, prescription pain killers, and even drugs such as Imitrex) can make headaches worse instead of better if they are "overused". Ideally, you shouldn't take pain meds of any sort more than 3 days per week. Using something as safe as over-the-counter ibuprofen can make your headache(s) worse because all of these drugs cause rebound headaches. That being said, I find it impossible to follow these "rules" because I'm desperate for pain relief, like most of us are.
Thanks for the info. Soooooo very helpful!