Side Effects of BOTOX

BOTOX

Botox (botulinum toxin) is a neurotoxin produced by the same bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It inhibits the secretion of the neurotransmitter acetyl choline by nerve axons in the neuromuscular juncture, thereby causing tetany. The toxin also causes botulism, a rare condition that results in severe muscle weakness. This medication is usually injected to reduce spasticity and to reduce scarring following surgery. Its mechanism of action is also similar to that of caffeine and does not affect blood pressure.

The major symptoms resulting from the Botox injections include muscular weakness, facial drooping, paralysis of muscles and numbness or muscle weakness. Patients may also suffer from headache, fever, respiratory failure, muscle and joint pains, speech problems, tremors and decreased vision. It should be remembered that all these symptoms are temporary and patients get back to their normal activities gradually. If a case of such muscular weakness occurs, the physician will suggest you to go for regular physical exercise.

BOTOX injections generally produce results after one or two months, if the desired effect is achieved. It is quite common to see a slight reduction in facial wrinkles, though this does not last long. The skin around the injection site is red and the redness fades with time. It is very important to note that the redness will become less noticeable as your body gets used to the treatment.

Patients who have gone through BOTOX treatment say that they feel more relieved than ever before. They say that the fine lines on the forehead are reduced to mere stubble and there is no trace of them even after a period of four months. Wrinkles on the forehead and lips are also less prominent, though they are still there. Some patients have noticed less swelling and discoloration in the areas treated with BOTOX. These reactions are mainly attributed to the local anesthetic that is used during the treatment.

Patients can have a number of reactions that can occur after BOTOX injections. Some people feel a strange burning sensation that could easily lead to a spasm of the jaw muscles or face muscles. This feeling usually subsides within a short duration. Blurred vision is also a common reaction to BOTOX treatment. Some patients notice blurred vision because they are not used to the strong chemicals and the procedure makes them weak.

A few patients report experiencing headaches, nausea, dizziness, sweating and dry mouth. These side effects are also caused by the strength of the anti-inflammatory chemicals used in BOTOX injections. Though bruising is uncommon in patients who have gone through BOTOX treatments, they do occur in certain cases and this should be considered when thinking of having BOTOX therapy.