Health Fitness :: Health
The Side Effects of Botox by Kent McGroarty
EDGE ContributorSunday Oct 4, 2009 Botox is defined as "a highly purified preparation of botulinum toxin A, a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum." Botox is injected in small amounts into targeted muscles, and works by "blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles" which subsequently paralyzes the muscles. It is used as a treatment for aging skin, muscle spasms, headaches and underarm perspiration. Whether you use Botox for cosmetic or medicinal purposes, side effects ranging from mild to severe can occur. Make sure you understand all precautions and warnings concerning Botox before undergoing any treatment!
The most common side effects of Botox injections include anxiety, back pain, dizziness, dry eyes and mouth, eye irritation, facial pain, headache, flu-like symptoms, nausea, neck pain, inability to focus eyes, increased cough, runny nose, sensitivity to light, sweating, upset stomach, weakness of muscles at or near injection site, and pain, redness, swelling or tenderness at injection site.
Of course, no two people will react to Botox the same way, and factors such as pregnancy and taking other medications besides Botox can affect the body’s reaction to the toxin. Severe allergic reactions to Botox can also occur. These include rash, hives, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, swelling of the mouth, face, lips and tongue, bleeding at the injection site, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, drooping of upper eyelid, eyelid swelling, fever, irregular heartbeat, paralysis, pneumonia, seizures, speech changes, vision changes and unusual weakness.
Usually any side effects or allergic reactions occur the first week following the injection(s). Side effects generally do not last long; however, there have been reports of side effects from Botox injections lasting for several months.
The injection site must be left alone after treatment though it might itch or bruise. Rubbing the injection site will only create potential side effects and may lead to "migration" of the Botox to other muscles or into the body’s overall system.
Botox contains the human protein albumin which can potentially spread infectious proteins and viruses. It has been reported that Botox can "decrease your blinking reflex," particularly if the injection is near the eyes, therefore increasing the risk of corneal abrasion or other eye problems. Vision changes can also occur with injections near the eye, though such changes are usually temporary.
Additional reported findings assert that combining Botox injections with other injectable medications or materials can have negative results. Botox can also interact with several different medications, so make sure you inform your doctor of any medications you are taking before receiving any Botox injections. For example, taking medications for neuromuscular disorders can interfere with Botox as Botox contains a toxin that paralyzes muscles. Neuromuscular-blocking medications combined with Botox can "increase the nerve-blocking effects of both medications."
Those with heart disease may want to rethink Botox injections as heart problems can occur, although it is not completely clear whether or not this issue is related directly to Botox.
There is a laundry list of drugs that can interact with Botox. These include Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as Amikacin, Gentamicin, Kanamycin (Kantrex), Neomycin (Neo-Fradin), Streptomycin, and Tobramycin. Neuromuscular-blocking medications that can interfere with Botox include Atracurium, Doxacurium (Nuromax), Mivacurium (Mivacron) and many more.
Botox is considered a Category C medication, meaning it may not be safe to use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not yet known. It is also unknown if Botox passes to baby via breastmilk, so tell your doctor if you are pregnant, considering pregnancy, or are breastfeeding before beginning any Botox regimen.
As previously mentioned, sometimes Botox can spread to other parts of the body which can potentially cause serious health problems. The spreading of Botox to other parts of the body is most likely to happen in children being treated with Botox for muscle spasticity.
Frequent injections can cause Botox to work less efficiently. Over time the body builds antibodies that resist the Botox, decreasing the time the treatment will last.
Consult with your doctor before receiving Botox injections, particularly if you have neuromuscular disease, heart disease, difficultly swallowing, or an infection hear the injection site. No matter how thoroughly you research precautions concerning Botox and even if you are perfectly healthy, remember that Botox affects everyone differently!
Kent McGroarty is a freelance writer. She is a frequent contributor to EDGE’S Style, Travel, Health, and Fitness channels. Contact her at kentmcgroarty@yahoo.com.
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