Botox is the shortened form for botulinum toxin and it is created from a neurotoxin known as bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The medical version of this bacterium is formulated to treat a range of conditions, especially those which are associated with the muscles of the body. However, the most popular use of Botox these days, happens to be to remove wrinkles. Botox is made using the botulinum toxin type A and the manner in which it works is that is blocks the activity of the nerves in the muscles, which leads to a reduction of activity in the muscles.
Botox is administered by injection and dosing depends on the condition that it is used for. Administration of botulinum toxin with other agents (for example, aminoglycosides, curare) that affect neuromuscular function may increase the effect of botulinum toxin. There are no adequate studies of Botox in pregnant women and it has not been evaluated in nursing mothers.
The botulinum toxin contained in Botox can spread to other body areas beyond where it was injected. This has caused serious side effects in some people receiving botulism toxin injections, even for cosmetic purposes.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects, some of which can occur up to several weeks after an injection:
Some of which can happen if not injected properly are:
- Weakness in the muscles near the injection site
- Bruising, bleeding, redness and swelling
- Pain, which could continue for a few days
- Dry mouth feeling and trouble swallowing
- Headaches and a general feeling of being tired
- Blurred vision
- Symptoms of the cold, such as stuffy nose, cough, sore throat and sneezing
Some of the more serious side effects include:
- Incredible amount of fatigue
- Muscle weakness in areas that have not been treated
- Trouble breathing or talking
- Change in voice
- Drooping eyes
- Chest pains or irregular heartbeats
What else do you need to know about Botox injections?
There are certain people who cannot get a Botox injection and this list would include:
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers
- People who have extensive facial drooping
- People with certain neurological conditions will need to get clearance from their doctors first
