Are the toxins in Botox the cause of the anxiety/panic attacks, or is this a result from the blocked nerve?

Question

Hi! I'm healthy, happy, mid 30s, and never been medicated or had a history of anxiety or any mental issue. I've had Botox 6 or 7 times over the past 6 years, and loved it! Last two times, it affected my mental state. I had severe anxiety and first ever panic attacks within 24 hours (anxiety continued with last treatment). Are the toxins in Botox the cause of the anxiety/panic attacks, or is this a result from the blocked nerve? Could gfx be an alternative, or could that cause this too? Thanks!

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It might be the botox, in which case, Xeomin, or Dysport would not be different.  On the other hand, the problem may be the emotional effects of the treatment your injector is doing.  We know that botox relaxes certain facial muscles and this has an effect on facial feedback and our emotional state.  It is thought that for this reason, people are "disproportionately" happy after a good botox service.  For this reason, Botox has been successfully used to treat people with clinical depression.  On the other hand certain treatment patterns, like dense forehead treatment might be the basis for your anxiety. I have an entirely different method of administering botox called the Microdroplet Lift. You might consider trying this type of service before throwing in the towel on cosmetic botulinum toxin.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I think there is something else going on unrelated to the Botox injections which is triggering your anxiety/panic attacks.  I am unfamiliar with glabellar frown relaxation which employ heat technology used in the skin-tightening treatment Thermage, to selectively weaken nerve function. I would recommend that you make an appointment with your PCP and discuss the possible causation of this behavior within 24 hours of a Botox injection.  If you have been using the same injector for the past six years, discuss your recent anxiety with him or her.  Perhaps a sedative can be prescribed prior to the treatment.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that Botox is causing your anxiety. However, Xeomin/Dysport, fillers, lasers and microneedling/prp can be used as alternatives. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

I have treated 1000's of patients over more than 25 years with Botox.  I have never seen this type of reaction personally, nor have I heard of it from other doctors in millions and millions of doses.  Is it related?  Possibly, but highly unlikely.  There are many situations that could affect your mental state. Hold off on more Botox and get a good evaluation from a Psychiatrist regarding your anxiety and panic attachs.

Peterson Pierre, MD · Answer

It is highly unlikely that Botox is causing your symptoms. There are other treatments you can do such as fillers, lasers, chemical peels, but nothing produces the results that Botox does. You should definitely discuss this with your primary care physician to figure our the cause of your anxiety

Are the toxins in Botox the cause of the anxiety/panic attacks, or is this a result from the blocked nerve?

Answers (8)

Answer: It is highly unlikely but not impossible that your symptoms are related to the Botox.

Answer: It is highly unlikely but not impossible that your symptoms are related to the Botox.

Answer: Botox anxiety

Answer: Botox anxiety

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Are the toxins in Botox the cause of the anxiety/panic attacks, or is this a result from the blocked nerve?

Answers (8)

Answer: It is highly unlikely but not impossible that your symptoms are related to the Botox.

Answer: It is highly unlikely but not impossible that your symptoms are related to the Botox.

Answer: Botox anxiety

Answer: Botox anxiety

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.