Side Effects of Botox/ time for recovery

seanau22 · Joined: 05 Feb 2009 Posts: 1

I was wondering what everyone's bad side effects from getting the botox injections were. Where you got the injections, how much, and how long it has taken you to recover. I've talked to a couple ladies on here, but I would like to know everyone elses experience as well- as for mine....

I received Botox for hyperhydrosis back in October 2008. Firstly in the underarms, then 2 weeks later in my hands.

Roughly two months afterwards, I had an attack where my heart started racing and I fainted. Now I have headaches that come up in the back of my head, blurred vision, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, sensitivity to light and noises, rapid movement, general malaise feelings....all of these things seem to just pop up. I have some good days and bad days, however I am right at about 3 months into this.

I have seen dr's and had an ekg, holter monitor, brain scan, extensive blood work, even monitor, all of which have come back negative. I seemed to have ruled everything else out, and after hearing some of your experiences on here, I am led to think it is the Botox causing this.

I know botulism can affect breathing and cause paralysis, but how does the immune system work on botox? Is that why it wears off and you need repeat injections...because the immune system fights it off? In my case I am hoping that is what it is, because I don't think I'll be doing these injections again. I can live with the sweating, but not these horrible side effects.

Please take the time and tell of your story, and recovery as well (time it took to recover, anything that helped you deal with the side effects)

Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to your response.

pinkangles · Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Posts: 5

I just posted this in another thread but here is my story.

Started a couple days after botox in forhead. I have had it before about 4 times but just had a reaction this time.

It started with dirreah and flu like feelings then I had racing heart palps, digestion issues, nausea trembling , passing out etc. I went to all sorts of docs and had over 25,000 in medical tests done . I had mris, catscans, heavy metals tests, endocrine tests, and rare disease tests. I mentioned the botox and a few like the ent said it could be possible but there is nothing to fix it but time. My primary doc told me she is not sure and tried to find a test for botulism to give me but could not find one. They could not find anything except sinus infection in all regions. I sort of knew that because I could no longer blow my nose after botox. My nose was dry.

I was basically housebound for months. I even had some drs say it was psychological and I saw a psychiatrist who wanted me to take celexxa and klonopin and said I had agoraphobia and depression and anxiety , and panic disorder. I did take the klonopin but I think it made it worse. I never had problems like this before and knew this was not it. I was physically ill. I could not eat except a handful of food a day. My heart would race all the time. I had bad muscle aches and weird pains. I went to cardiologist and the monitor showed 150 bpm even sleeping. It slowly started to get better. I cut out all caffeine, alcohol, most sugars, and dranks lots of water . It took about 5 months before I started to see the light of day. I felt almost back to normal between 6-7 months.

I think more doctors need to be aware of these symptoms that can sometimes happen with botox and stop dismissing them. I lost so much money and time because drs would not look further into it being botox.

dawn1051 · Joined: 28 May 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Grand Rapids, Mi.

This is my first post here.

I did a bit of reading of some of the horror stories and was really surprised to hear all of the side effects people are dealing with. I have had Botox 4 times over the past 2 years and I LOVE the results. I have never had more than 40 units...mainly because I like to stick to a bill that isn't over $400. Anyway, I LOVE the results!! And I've had it done at two different locations. (I recently moved 400 miles away from prior dr's office)

The effects typically last about 3-4 months for me...I wish it lasted longer but it is what it is. I just went in and had a small vein treated and was going to get a Botox touch up and they told me I didn't need it yet...and this was the owner!! I was very impressed to say the least so I am giving it another 4 weeks and will go in for my touch up.

I wish I could tell you something negative about Botox but I cant. In fact, I have issues with headaches/migraines and the Botox has really helped with the tension headaches. Sorry to hear about everyone elses bad experiences but mine have been all great! I wish they weren't though because I'm spending a small fortune just to try to fight the aging process. (I'm 38 and not enjoying the wrinkles AT ALL)

Good luck all! Smile

admin · Site Admin Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 36

dawn1051 · Joined: 28 May 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Grand Rapids, Mi.

I clicked the line and filled out a review regarding the facility where I had my Botox and where I will continue to have it...although I may have to go back to work to get extra $$ to afford it all as I dont see my wrinkles leaving any time soon Wink

admin · Site Admin Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 36

dawn, that's great that you are satisfied with your results so far!

dawn1051 · Joined: 28 May 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Grand Rapids, Mi.

I'm thrilled that my results have been great so far!! In fact, I have an appointment today for another treatment. And I'm going to try for the first time, a chemical peel. I hope that I'm just as happy with that as I am with the Botox.

Smile

pinkangles · Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Posts: 5

ann1985 · Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 4

dawn, that's great that you are satisfied with your results so far!

mark1980 · Joined: 15 Oct 2009 Posts: 3

Hello Dawn, Can you pm me the website or the address from where did you get your botox? Thanks!

Anyway I did some research and listed the common side effects. just FYI.

Droopy eyelids -- in up to 3 percent of people
Nausea -- up to 3 percent
Muscle weakness -- up to 2 percent
Facial pain -- up to 2 percent
Indigestion or heartburn -- up to 1 percent
Tooth problems -- up to 1 percent
High blood pressure (hypertension) -- up to 1 percent.

Maria.B · Joined: 17 Dec 2009 Posts: 22 Location: London

kevinchamp · Joined: 19 Jul 2010 Posts: 4

The jury found the company was negligent in its off-label promotion of the drug. Crucial testimony in the trial included an Allergan sales representative who admitted to providing off-label dosing guidelines to Botox clients in a sealed envelope.Botox has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine.

Andyrebeca · Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Posts: 1

I have taken few treatments and all the times redness happened in the area where I took Botox injections. But my doctor said, not to worry, it will go off within few hours, as he said, it didnt last for days, withing half a day, everthing fine. I was totally happy.
I took the treatments from Cheshire Cosmetic Clinic in my area