61 responses so far ↓

• Carol Staab // Jul 29, 2003 at 8:28 pm

  I have suffered from Botox side effects that have lasted over a year.My doctor gave me a consent form that made out botox to have rare mild side effects that were temporary.There are millions now mislead by the botox ads and the doctors consent forms that botox is a benign treatment,like a cosmetic.It is so sad that this woman lost her life to botox. I hope that her family pursues this legally and exposes botox for what it is a potentially dangerous neurtotoxin that can cause serious side effects and the long term continual usage is unknown.

  Carol

• rob shields // Sep 24, 2003 at 1:48 pm

  Would you plese contact me IMEDIATELY about the TOXIC side effects of botox. I have not been able to get any straight answeers from docotrs. 541-621-0183. Thank you. rob

• Carol // Sep 25, 2003 at 8:28 pm

  To Rob Shields:You want to know what the toxic side effects of botox are:Botox has the rare ability to tranfer a virus because it is made with a human blood product.Myasthenia Gravis is on.It can cause flu like symptoms,respiratory problems,difficulty swallowing that in rare cases the patient needs a feeding tube.It can cause parathesia,local numbness,headaches,dizziness,drooping eye lid,facial pain,etc.It has caused a number of deaths due to shock.It can cause patiets being treated for migraines with botox severe mind altering headaches,severe respiratory problems,having to be bedridden for 6 weeks and then housebound for months.The patient that gets a severe reaction from botox for migraine feels like they are going to die.If you would like a documented list of symptoms go to the Allergan website and read their product information sheet.Doctors are afraid to give straight answers because they don’t want to be blamed.Botox is a $400M business.Write the forum and let us know about your history with botox,the reason and location where it was injected.

• rob_shields // Oct 6, 2003 at 6:25 pm

  I have never heard or read about anyone going into anaphylatic shock after recieving lidocaine. Conclusion is that the botox was too much for the system to handle at the same time.

• Carol Staab // Oct 14, 2003 at 5:56 pm

  Please post your complications on the Botox Forum.You will find others who share complications from botox plus articles on botox complications that I have posted with links.The latest best article is an article in the LA Times, Taking Aim at Botox- 9-22-03.You can print this by registering on the LA Times Website in the archive section.Articles that are 7 days or more are a charge of $2.50.The article says that the FDA is going to release a report this December on patient and doctor complaints on botox.Please register your complaints to the FDA.You can do so by going to the FDA website and doing it online.This is very important.

• Carol Staab // Oct 14, 2003 at 6:01 pm

  Very informative article in the LA Times (-22-03):Taking Aim at Botox” The FDA is going to release a report in December of patient and doctors complaints of the adverse effects of botox.Please submit your adverse effects to the FDA.You can do it on the FDA website online.You can pull this article up on the LA Times website in teh archives.Register.Archived articles cost $2.50.Very worthwhile article

• David // Oct 21, 2003 at 3:48 pm

  Carol:

  I’m an investigative reporter in Los Angeles and am working on a botox story. Can you contact me?

  Thanks

  323-460-3424

• Carol // Oct 27, 2003 at 10:53 am

  David I called you to let you know that I will give you botox information for your botox story.

• c davis // Dec 9, 2003 at 7:24 pm

  I FIRST HAD BOTOX IN MAY 2002. I DID NOT SEE ANY FANTASTIC RESULT, OTHER THAN MY FORHEAD DID NOT MOVE. I ALSO HAD IT AROUND MY EYE AREA. FOUR MONTHS LATER I TRIED IT AGAIN IN THE SAME AREAS, ONE INJECTION IN THE CORNER OF MY RIGHT EYE HAD SOME BLEEDING AND BRUISING. TWO DAYS LATER, I HAD THE EYE DROOP, JUST BEFORE A VACATION I HAD TOO CANCEL. THREE DAYS LATER I HAD EXTREME DOUBLE VISION. I COULD NOT DRIVE FOR THREE MONTHS!! WHEN I DID AFTER THAT, THE DOUBLE VIVION WOULD SOMETIMES SUDDENLY APPEAR OUT OF NOWHERE, I WOULD HAVE A TERRIBLE TIME GETTING HOME. I DID GO TO MY EYE DOCTOR WHEN IT FIRST SRARTED TOO HAPPEN AND SHE TOLD ME THAT THE DOCTOR HIT A BLOOD VESSEL AND THE BOTOX LEAKED INTO MY EYE MUSSLES AND WAS MAKING LIKE A PULLY AND PULLING MY EYE IN ALL DIRECTIONS. I WENT TOO THE DERMATOLIGIST THAT ADMINISTERED THE BOTOX AND SHE SAID AFTER CONSULTING ONE OF HER DOCTOR FRIENDS THAT DOES MANY MANY A DAY NEVER HEARD OF THAT, RIGHT! I WAS TOLD TOO PUT A PATCH ON MY EYE AND JUST USE THE OTHER!!! I WAS WANTING TOO LOOK BETTER, NOT LIKE A PIRATE!!SO THAT IS MY STORY.

• Rebecca // Dec 11, 2003 at 6:07 am

  Yesterday was the anniversary of my mom’s death. She was treated with Botox about every 6 months over a five year period for a condition called Blepharospasms. Last year in May she became unable to walk and had slurred speech. After 3 months of grueling tests and work-ups they determined she had an “unusual” form of myasthenia gravis. She was in the hospital for a total of 6 months and was in complete misery. She became ventilator dependent because the myasthenia impaired her lung function and passed away from complications. I feel the myasthenia was induced by the Botox. There is one other documented case that I was able to find. I did write the FDA and I reported my beliefs. I am glad to hear and eager to see the report that you are referring to from the FDA on the topic. People need to be aware that this is not a drug that you have “parties” about. If we had been aware of these serious risks I know we would have considered other options for her blepharospasm therapy.

• carol // Dec 15, 2003 at 7:19 pm

  Rebecca,I am sorry to hear about your mother and the possible relationship of myasthenia gravis and Botox treatment.You said that you know of one documented case.I have read the Botox information sheet and it says that between 1990-8-31-2000 that there have various serious adverse events including mysthenia gravis from “cosmetic Botox treatment”. I don’t know what the reports are for medical treatment.You can read this on the Allergan Website Botox Cosmetic website under prescribing information.I have complications because I had cosmetic Botox injections.I strongly feel that the public is SO MISLEAD into trusting from their doctors and Allergan that Botox is a safe treatment with rare and very temporary side effects.I posted your story on the Botox Forum so other could see it. Please feel free to E-mail me.You can contact me on the Botox Forum.

• Nancy Havens // Dec 31, 2003 at 12:18 pm

  My mother, Ms. Blakemore, DOB: 8/17/20 has been getting Botox injections in her neck to help with her vocal chords, which were sticking (forgot the medical terminology for this) since 1998 every six months. Not sure if it could be related, but she became hypothyroid, which caused her to become very weak, and she went into a state of delirium which lasted for over a week. She talked continually, non-stop day and night for quite some time. She was prescribed Synthroid 50 mcg., 1 tablet daily, which she took faithfully. This incident occurred in December, 2001, I believe, at which she time she was hospitalized. She finally healed from all this and is doing very well. She recently had a botox injection about 11/19/03, in which the doctor in ENT stuck her three times. She mentioned that it really hurt. After she left the ENT Clinic, she became very weak and pale, but did not return to the doctor who gave the injection. (By the way, I work at the hospital that she has this done at, but was not with her). I reported that incidence by a fax’d note to the doctor. Recently, she has had headaches, aches all over, and pain in her shoulder. This has gotten some better. Still feels weak. I have mentioned all this and the incidence of being hospitalized to the physician in ENT. The doctor doesn’t feel this is related, but I am rather wondering if it actually could be. The last Botox injection actually caused her to be hoarse and having to strain to talk for people to hear her. This also has happened before after an injection. I forgot to mention that she also has had recent flu-like symptoms, (aching all over and headaches. This is the first time I visited this site, but was looking for side effects.

• TARA FISKE // Jan 2, 2004 at 10:29 am

  I suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for two years, which started shortly after my first botox injection. I did not connect the two until 6 months later I had another botox injection, and having slowly been on the road to recovery, had an immediate and severe relapse, which left me bedbound for another 3 months. Now, over a year later,I am returning to normal but I’m fairly certain botox was the cause of my exhaustion and weakness.

• Susan Balga // Jan 5, 2004 at 8:04 am

  I had been getting Botox injections for for a few years for Spasmodic Dysphonia (vocal cords hypercontracting). I had no side effects until last year. I wasn’t getting good results, so they increased my dose. I became deathly ill in 3/2002 about 8 days after my injection with weakness and tingling in my arms, hands and legs. I couldn’t eat for a long time. I developed a fever, increased heart rate, and severe headache. I was taken by ambulance to 2 different Emeregency Rooms. They all said it “couldn’t be the Botox”. My husband called my Neurologist and he said “it can’t be the Botox because it doesn’t travel systemically and the side effects would have started sooner than 8 days. I was bedridden for over a month. Since that time, I have had some problems with my thyroid as well as chronic fatigue. At the time, I didn’t think it was the Botox, so I had another injection in 4/2003 at the same increased dose. The same thing happened, only worse … I had the same tingling and numbness in my extremities. I never had a problem with my tongue, but my face was numb like when novacaine is wearing off. I could not move for days … I was in and out of the Hospital for 2 weeks. Then, I was bedridden at home for several more weeks. I would really like to look into a lawsuit. Any ideas?

  I will pray for all of you who have also suffered, and are still suffered. I feel like I will never be the same (always exhausted).

• rebecca // Jan 13, 2004 at 8:22 pm

  Carol, thanks for your sympathy and for posting my comments on Botox forum. I hope that my mother’s story will prevent others from sharing my same grief. I wanted to give you more information about the specific case study documented. It is in Movement Disorders 2000, July;15(4)736-8, titled Myasthenia gravis after botulinum toxin A for Meige syndrome. Meige syndrome is basically what my mother was being treated for, it is a syndrome that causes spasms of the eyelids and as a result excessive blinking. The botox was used to block signals from the nerve to the muscle. This is exactly what happens to the entire body when a person has myasthenia gravis. A person with myasthenia has anti-acetylcholine antibodies. My theory is that over time my mother developed these antibodies as a result of the increasing and regular doses of the botox. During her hospitalization I actually found one neurologist that agreed with me and said “there are going to be alot more cases of this in the future due to abuse of the botox”.

• Alicia // Feb 20, 2004 at 9:02 pm

  Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2003 12:35 am Post subject: botox for cervical dystonia

  I saw a neurologist for neck and back pain in 4/03 and he diagnosed me with cervical dystonia. He said the treatment for this was Botox injections in to the muscles. I recieved my first injections in the neck, upper back and in the muscle in the front of the neck on the right side on 5/30/03. He stated that he used a small dose and wanted me to call him in 10 days and that I might need a booster. I called him in 10 days, and on 6/13/03. A few days later I started expieriencing burning pain in my neck, left shoulder, and down my left arm. I called my doctor and he thought I might need a few days of rest at home. So I was off of work for 3 days then went back. The rest didn’t help at all and I tried to continue to work, but the pain was so severe I would go home and cry every night and dreaded having to go back into work the next day. I work in the medical field and had talked to a lot of people about botox and they all seemed to be pleased with the outcome. I called my doctor back after a week of trying to work and he wrote me a note for another week off and wanted to see me on 7/1/03. He didn’t know what to think. He didn’t think that is was the botox that was causing my problems and wanted me to see one of his partners for a second opinion, but I couldn’t get in to see him until August. I called and wanted to know what I was supposed to do until then. He wrote another note to my employer that I was to be off of work until seeing this other doctor. In the meantime he gave me morphine for the pain and of course antidepressants because it seemed that I was crying all of the time when I came in to see him. Of course I was depressed, I was in a lot of pain. None of the literature he had given me hinted at any of these side effects and on the consent forms that I had signed, the main side effect was dysphagia and possible allergic reaction, which could happen immediately. I saw the other doctor and he said he didnt’ think it was the botox either and that it was just a coincidence that I had this pain around the same time as I recieved the botox. He wanted to know if anyone had done an x-ray of my shoulder and I said no because I have not had any trouble with my shoulder until the botox. He then set me up to have nerve conduction studies done, which were normal. Between both doctors they have now come to the conclusion that botox may be causing the symptoms and that maybe I dont have cervical dystonia and that maybe I have fibromyalgia and should see a rheumatologist, which I see tomorrow. I am curious how that is going to go. I have been off of work now for nine weeks and my FMLA is almost up, I just hope that I have a job to go back to when this hopefully wears off. They keep telling me 3-4 months and then now it’s 4-6 months. All I know is that it has taken away a big part of my life. All this time I have not been able to do the kind of things that I love to do. We used to camp, go out on the boat and I love gardening. This summer I have hardly set foot out of the house and trying to clean the house is a nightmare because any bending or movement of any kind hurts my neck and shoulder and caused awful migraines. My primary care physician has given me muscle relaxers, valium, and tylenol 3 which seems to work the best of anything that I have tried. The scary thing is whats next, addiction to pain medications. For anyoone out there going through this I am feeling for you. Noone knows what it’s like unless you have been through it. I will pray for you and hope that things get better. Sorry this is so long, but i didn’t know that there were so many people out there who were going through the same thing and at least I feel better that I am not nuts. Thanks for listening.

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  Joined: 19 Jun 2003

  Posts: 16

• Alex Kuczynski // Feb 26, 2004 at 7:38 am

  Am interested in interviewing anyone who has had bad (or good) reactions to Botox for a book I am writing on our national obsession with beauty. Please contact me via e-mail if you’d like to air your opinion.

• Jared ivy // Feb 28, 2004 at 12:48 pm

  After having botox for more than a year every 8 weeks , i have been Dizzy constantly I cant work or function like i used too, is any one else expierenced this? also my throat feels tight and neck and head tightness . any help? They are now having me see a neuroloigist.

• Marney // Feb 29, 2004 at 11:52 pm

  Rebecca, I can’t find the post about your mother but I am so sorry. I hppe you are recovering AND taking legal action. It can make a difference!

  I had a severe trauma and didn’t sleep for over 13 months and thought I deserved to try to reverse the effects of not sleeping by receiving Botox injections to my forehead. I received botox injections in my forehead 3 times without complications. Each time I waited at least 4 months in between injections. I was really happy that I could do something relatively easy and inexpensive that relieved some of the trauma when I looked in the mirror.

  This time I went to a new Doctor and he didn’t ice the forehead. Also, the nurse looked so great and she had it done under her eyes so at the last minute I tried it. Of course there was no ice used at all. I got up from the chair immediately and saw these very large bumps everywhere he had injected the toxin. (not under the eyes) I thought that was unusual, but the bumps did go away within 20 minutes (he said the other doctors made me stay in the chair for a while while the bumps went away most likely and that’s why I never saw bumps before).

  Well I left and for 6 nights afterwards I experienced so much pain in the left side of my face and upper jaw it woke me from a deep sleep! (not related to the bumps because there wre none under the eyes) I am worried, because what if this stuff gets into your blood stream? The pain was as if someone unched me and it was a continuous angry ache. That’s the best way to describe it. It makes me so sad that I could do this to myself. It’s so addictive, what we do to ourselves to look better in this country. Please pray that we all make the best decisions regarding this dangeous procedure.

  Does anyonje know why I might have experienced these gnawing pains? Thanks.

• Pamela Parker // Mar 11, 2004 at 4:00 pm

  I received my third round of botox 1 a nd 1/2 weeks ago. Since then, I have had a severe migraine which lasted over 8 days, feel fatigued and ill. I received 86 units around my eyes, forehead, and nose. I feel terrible, and can hardly work. Although the migraine is not full strength, I am still feeling a band of tightness and flu-like symptoms. Although I have heard botox helps prevent migraines, in my last two experiences it has actually precepitated them. Does anyone else have any history on botox induced headaches/migraines? Thanks.

• Klara Hunt // Mar 17, 2004 at 6:59 am

  Does anyone know of a way to test for sesitivity to botox before having the injections?

• carol // Mar 17, 2004 at 7:24 pm

  Klara Humt, there is no way to pretest to see how your body reacts to Botox. It is unpredictable. And sometimes people who receive even smaller doses have significant complications.Also,Botox is a biologic delivered in lot #s.One could get a faulty batch or have a doctor inject it incorrectly.

• jennifer // May 20, 2004 at 10:35 am

  Hello guys. I was in the doctor’s office this a.m. to have my microdermabrasion, led light therapy and for the first time, I was going to try botox. As i sat in the chair reading over all the documents of information about botox, I started to get very anxious and apprehensive to say the least. When I read the part about possible cardiac arythmia and death, I knew immediately it wasn’t for me. I’m not a risk taker. Sure i would love to get rid of my frown lines, but it’s definitely not worth dying over!! I’m so glad I discovered your forum today. It makes me feel comfortable and happy with the decision I made to not have botox. Thank You!

• Lynette Stevens // May 25, 2004 at 7:10 pm

  I also had side affects. Two weeks after having the botox done. I had sagging skin under my eyes and very dizzy to the point of not being able to do certain things. Work became very difficult. Help me how long will this last its been over 2 weeks now and its getting worse. The doctor said he was sorry that he never heard of this happening..

• Carrie Richards // Jun 10, 2004 at 3:59 pm

  After having successful botox treatments for about a year,I went to new and highly reputable doctor who hastily injected the area between my eyes.By the next morning,I had flu like symptoms and a respiratory infection.About a week later(still sick,)I boarded a cross country flight where upon landing,I was shocked to see my right eye almost completely closed.I had blurry vision and problems with depth perception for weeks.I also had unbearable,constant headaches for almost a month.It was nearly impossible to function on a day to day basis.I returned to the doctor who claimed the SEVERLY drooping eyelid would pass in 1-2 weeks and the respiratory infection could not be caused by botox.I had a drooping eyelid for 3 months!There wasn’t a noticable improvement for at least 4 weeks.I’ll take the tiny lines between my eyes over looking like a freak for months.

• Sarah // Jun 20, 2004 at 11:39 am

  I had botox injected on 6/17/04 from a new practicianer. I have had botox injections for 6 years on my face with good success so I was not worried. Since 6/18 I have had severe muscle aches in my shoulders and upper back. By 6/20/04, today, the nerves in my arms, head, neck and shoulders are so sensitive that I am miserable. I had 67 units injected and usually had about 40. I look great but am in so much pain, I will never do this again! I just hope this subsides today so I can work!

• eileen scoles // Aug 9, 2004 at 8:40 am

  After 5 treatments over 20 months. I had a neuralgia following the last treatment on the top of my skull. This grew into neuritis in my arms and legs and now I have a vibrating around my head and neck every night, all night long. This is keeping me from sleeping and is severely affecting my life. It has been seven months since that last injection, the neuralgia began right after having it and the situation is getting worse, not better. I am furious at myself for putting myself in harms way for vanity’s sake but I am more furious that the manufacturer’s of Botox are falsely advertising this and may be causing us permanent damage. I cannot get more than a few minutes of drowsing before the trembling begins again. I change my head’s position, drowse for a few minutes and it begins again. I will lose my mind if this doesn’t go away. This situation is just a crime.

  If anyone has any comments, please e-mail me and warn anyone who may be considering botox treatments for cosmetic reasons.

  Thanks, Eileen Scoles

• Kim Loomer // Aug 25, 2004 at 8:10 am

  I have had three treatments of Botox for migraine and fibromyalgia symptons. I didn’t have a problem the first time that I know of. In fact, I did get the flu’ and was sick for a week, but that was roughly a month after the injections. It did cause me to quit smoking and having been a heavy smoker for 35 years I thought this was wonderful. The second treatment caused me to get a new headache across my forehead that I had never had before. It didn’t go away and I still have it and it is six months later. The last time I was treated I though wonderful. The Botox gives me back the mobility that the Fibromyalgia took away in me. I could walk almost normally again and twist at the waist, which is something that I hadn’t been able to do before the treatments. However, when the Botox wore off the second time - after three months - I was in terrible pain. Now that I was injected again, I have the sensation of pins and needles all over my body except for the area from my shoulders to my waist. The rest, including my face has that sensation that my body is trying to wake up and it is very painful and annoying.

  In all the research I have done to find reactions to Botox, I haven’t found anyone else that described having the “pins and needles” sensation. I would like to know if anyone else has experienced this and if so, does it eventually go away and is there anything you can do for it in the meantime to lessen the problem?

• charlotte c // Sep 3, 2004 at 12:27 am

  I had one set of Botox injections to the crows feet area and in between my eyes a few years ago. I had a reaction that grew over hours and then days that were flu-like in nature and took weeks to completely sub-side. I also experienced some vague chest tightness, discomfort and palpitations. I recently was convinced by a different dermatologist that these symptons could not have been caused by the botox. I allowed this doctor to inject my crows feet area in April, 2004. Upon injection the area around my left eye went completely numb and stayed numb for several hours. Within a few hours I began to experience vision problems of blurring and depth perception. Then the flu symptons started. My chest felt tight with moderate pressure and some irregular beats. But, that’s not all. Bags of fluid filled bags formed under my eyes and would not leave, even with icing them several times a day - this lasted for many weeks. Also, the area injected felt bruised and painful to the touch for 3-4 months!!! But, the worst of all these side affects was the left side of my face became paralyzed down to th corner of my mouth. I smiled and looked like a stroke victim! This lasted for at least 5 months and has slowly returned to almost normal. Needless to say I will never use Botox again.

• Cindy // Sep 3, 2004 at 9:35 am

  I had Botox injections for the treatment of intractable migraines, only after trying many other different things for the past five years. A few hours after the injections to my forehead, temples, and back of the neck I developed a severe stiff neck. When I contacted the Dr. the following Monday he was “perplexed” and claimed it had nothing to do with the Botox! He suggested I go to the ER that something else was going on that I should get checked out. Of course nothing else was wrong with me. A month has passed and I still have pain in the back of my neck, I am unable to support my neck when bent over. For example to eat soup or brush my teeth, I have to hold my head with one hand supporting it. I can’t bend over to put laundry in the dryer, or pick up toys off the floor etc. these simple every day chores cause severe pain. I am just hoping and praying that these symptoms are going to go away in a few months when the Botox wears off, but I have not been able to find out of anybody else having this type of reaction.

• Brenda Cox // Sep 4, 2004 at 5:44 pm

  I had botox injections in my forehead about four years ago and have permanent droop eye on the left side. I have also developed severe osteoarthritis and am only 47. The pain has affected my quality of life so much that it’s difficult to brush my teeth or wash my hair. Some days my husband has to take me to the bathroom. I undergo cortisone injections and take neurontin, proxy, tramadol, and naprosyn to function every day. I am very sad that I have ruined my life to avoid a few wrinkles.

• Norma // Sep 6, 2004 at 4:29 pm

  Have any remedies been found to combat the devastating effects of Botox. I very much would like to know.

• Susan // Sep 25, 2004 at 10:30 pm

  I have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since 1991. It was very tough for a while but I am now able to handle it all right and am back at work. I was thinking about getting botox as I just turned 50 and would like to look a little better. I looked it up to check the connection between Botox and CFS and found your forum. Thank you for having this here. I will def not get it now after reading all of your posts. I did have collegen once and I wonder if that is what gave me the CFS.

• robin coan // Sep 27, 2004 at 10:49 am

  I received botox 14 days ago, for the second time. The first time everything went well and I loved it. Five months later had a second injection and after one week one eye started to droop, by the fourteenth day both eyes are drooping and cannot move my eyebrows or forehead at all. It is scary. I go to the doctor today, but do not know if there is anything he can do. I do know I will never get botox again.

• susan stevens // Sep 28, 2004 at 8:51 pm

  I have recieved botox several times over the course of two years. The first few times I had no reaction and then this last two times I became very ill. I experienced severe headaces, flu like symptoms, nauseau, depression, tightness and pain in my neck. I was sick for over two weeks.

• Danae McCarty // Oct 1, 2004 at 2:19 am

  I had botox injections for my chronic migraines 3 days ago. Ever since my neck has been extremely stiff and my head has been throbbing. My doctor said that this has only happened to 1 of her paitients in the past but was going to call the company to find out if this is becoming common. I feel better now but only after I have taken muscle relaxers, antiinflamatory drugs and of course narcotics. If this is all I have to go through to become headache free I will do it!!!!! I have a headache everyday and this is really just a bump in my road. I am hoping that afterwards this will work!

• karen beaumont // Oct 2, 2004 at 2:25 am

  my complaint with botox doesn’t seem to be like anyone elses! After botox I have ended up with bags to the lower eyes, has anyone else been left like this?

• Karen Hicks // Oct 9, 2004 at 12:43 am

  Botox is dangerous! I don’t care what Allergan tells the public. I am one of the first that started yelling about Botox on CBS news early last year. I have not filed suit but have set out to let people know my symtoms and reactions which lasted months. As to the lady that request information on the paralysis or pins and needles in her legs, that too was one of my symptoms. Feel free to e-mail me to discuss your experiences.

• Kathy Cummings // Oct 18, 2004 at 8:18 am

  i just last week received my third botox treatment for cervical dystonia. first treatment, into the trapazoid muscles, worked like a charm. after several years of pain i was elated! the second treatment into the trapazoid muscles didn’t help, indeed, i felt that some muscles in my neck were worse. this last treatment included shots into the traps and the neck muscles. 2 days later i began feeling like i had the flu and developed a numbness and tingling in my lower legs and feet. i didn’t make the connection until a week later and at that point called my neurologist. he said he was not familiar with the symptoms i described, had never in 10 yrs of botox experience heard of these side effects, didn’t believe they were connected to it and said perhaps i was just, coincidentally, “coming down with something”. he called me back approximately 30 minutes later saying he had called the drug company and they informed him that,indeed, a very small percentage of the population, something like 2-5%, experience flu like symptoms after receiving botox. he said they believe it is an immune response to the botox and will wear off as the botox does. i asked him what their response was re the numbness and tingling in the extremities-they were unfamiliar with that side effect and will look into it and if he hears any more from them he will call me. he then went on to explain that with all medicines…

  yeah, well, we all know, at least i certainly did, that i was having a toxin injected into my body. it comes down to a risk reward ratio and i took the risk. i certainly won’t do it again and will hope that these side effects are temporary.

  the best to you all

• MARY MOHAN // Oct 25, 2004 at 12:24 pm

  On the 12th of july 2002 I put botox for crow lines around my eyes. 3 days later I had flu symtoms, conjunctivites, eye dryness,and worst of all terrible headaches. I went back to the dermotoligist and he said the headaches would go away a few days. I suffered daily cronicle headaches from I got up untill I went to bed. At least at night I could sleep but, when I opened my eyes the pain was there again. I went to all kinds of specialists,oftalmoligists, otorinolarangoligists, neurologists you name it. I spent a fortune I had a scanner,electro took all kinds of tablets with very severe side efects until October a neurologist gave me “lexatin” 1.5g 3 times a day. With this treatment I began to live a little. I went of the tablets 9 months later and the pain started again I started to take pain-killers but the pain insisted. I had a break for 2 months except during my period the pain came back for 4 days on the fourth day I had to go the hospital to be injected with pain-killers.2years and 3 months later I still suffer from headaches. I have tried acupuncture but it seems to agravate it. I sometimes have 2 or 3 days without pain and I even had up to 14 days but, I can´t see the solution. Please if anyone has found a solution get in contact with me. I’m Irish but I live in the canary islands, Spain.

• warren mckinzie // Dec 15, 2004 at 2:12 am

  My case is embarrasing. I had botox shots in the rectum to ease pressure while having a bowel movement. Shortly after I noticed the rectul opening was swollen nearly shut. The area around it is one big hard lump. I returned to the “surgeon” who gave me the shots and he said I had “an ingrown hair”! No way! He was trying to pass the buck. I also have been having strange pains in the neck/arm and felt like I’ve had a virus of some kind. After reading these stories, I wonder? I can only have a BM with laxatives as my anus is swollen nearly shut! My gastro set up the injections. None of the 3 doctors there that day said ANYTHING about possible side effects! Any suggestions?

• warren mckinzie // Dec 15, 2004 at 7:04 am

  I’ve gone back over my journal, notes etc. My swelling is without a doubt related to the botox injections. To make a long story short. I am allergic to MSG. I didn’t know until recently that a number of food additives contain MSG, and even if a food label says “NO MSG” or says nothing at, a food can still contain MSG(Monosodium Glutamate).Two and a half years ago I consulted a surgeon who said my occaissional stomach upsets were caused by my gallbladder, even though I told him I was allergic to MSG, he had no interest in anything like that. He used a test that I’ve since learned is unreliable to make his case for the gallbladder. (I had NO gallstones)He convinced me to have my gallbladder removed. MISTAKE! Immediately afterwards I suffered killer constipation, and have ever since. In a post op, he offered no help. And my allergy to MSG is 10 times worse!

  Despite using tons of flaxseed meal fiber, I still have some difficulty making a bowel movement. The gastroenterologist I’v seen has tested me and come to the conclusion with testing that I suffer from too much anal pressure, my muscles squeeze too tight and that is why I’ve had two episodes of anal fissures in the past two years. She recomended botox injections to relaxe the anl muscles. Three weeeks ago I had this done by a surgeon at her request. Due to swelling at the site my anal tightening is now worse than before! My anus is one big lump, with the swelling closing down my anus.(this is embarrasing)Logically, I think, the swelling is due to some kind of fluid retention? It seems logical to me to try and drain the fluid. From what I read here, there is no anti-dote to botox, right? I am going back to the university hospital and ask the gastro/surgeon to consider an attempt to drain the fluid.

  I have also experienced mild chills, warm flashes,aches, light-headedness etc. since the injections. It hasn’t occurred to me until now that these were related to the botox because no doctor ever told me of any possible side effects or reactions to botox. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

• Jenna Ernstes // Jan 22, 2005 at 6:33 pm

  I woke up this morning with fluid filled bags under my eyes-this happened overnight! I have experienced severe head aches for the last three days along with flu-like symptoms. I have had reoccurring pains in my arms and neck for a couple weeks. I started using a topical Botox solution from a major makeup company about a month ago. Went online to find a medical condition for the bags under my eyes to appear overnight and found this site. I am flabbergasted and appalled. My symptoms sound like all of yours. Thank you so much for this website! What else can we do to educate the world?

• Cristina Marie // Feb 23, 2005 at 7:12 am

  Well my experience has been over the past 5 years.

  I’ve always had symptoms, but just related it to age. However the last few batches were a killer. Horrible migranes for days and nights on end. I mean 9 Motrins and it still wouldn’t ease the pain. Back stiffness, heart pulpitations, anxiety attacks, permanent vision loss, backaches constantly. And least of all permanente circles of puffiness that lays like a cloud on top of my cheekbones…I mean really, the more you get, the more side effects you’ll have permantley. I’m in show biz, so it’s like, mandatory to stay young. After dealing with this crap, I’ll never get it done again. Even my legs and feet tingle at times. But these migranes are a killer. I looked up eye disorders and protein deposits behind the eyes can cause blindness folks. And if Botox is derived from it, you can only imagine. This coming Friday, I’m getting a Glaucoma test. Light senstivity is a killer too, since this last batch of botox. I’m going to another Doctor Monday. And I’m going to do MORE research. I’m sacred to death, and I hope I recover from these symptoms, but honestly, I probably will not with the eyes. Can you imagine, ruining your precious vision over this crap!

  I haven’t even called my botox doctor about this. Why? I know what he’ll say. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.” Who wants to get suied right? I mean we sign like a release before we get the botox. BUT NOT TO LOSE OUR EYE SIGHT!

  Think about THAT concept before having that poison put into your heads!

• CARLEEN BATES // Feb 24, 2005 at 3:55 am

  IHAD BOTOX FOR SPASMATIC DYSTONIA. THEY HOOK ME UP TO A EKG MACHINE . THEY GAVE THE SHOT IN BOTH VOCAL CORDS. IT DIDN;T TAKE BUT ONE TIME . MY ARMS HURT SO BAD I THOUGH I WAS HAVING A HEART ATTACK. SO THAT DID IT FOR ME. THANK YOU CARLEEN bates

• Shelley Hunka // Feb 26, 2005 at 1:12 pm

  I had my first Botox shot on Feb 22, expecting that this would be the miracle cure for my chronic whiplash pain, which I have suffered with for 4 years. The next morning I awoke with a new, knife-like pain in my upper traps. I endured it for a few days, hoping it would go away and consuming Tylenol 3 and extra strength Robax as well as my gabapentin by the mouthful. Finally, I spoke to my doc, who said that it was just the nerves reacting to the botox, but prescribed me some Oxycodone!!!!! Just what I was trying to avoid, more drugs! I have 5 children ( with a 1 year old and a 4 year old). Hard to just rest and wait it out. By the way, the oxycodone isn’t even helping, as I still feel like there is an axe stuck in my back. I read all the “propaganda” about Botox, and nothing mentioned any sort of pain like this. I wouldn’t have considered it if that was the case. I pray that this won’t last the 3 months….I can barely lift my right arm without antagonizing the muscle. I’m glad I found this web page, so I know I’m not alone, or crazy.

• christine thurman // Feb 27, 2005 at 10:19 pm

  Ihad two injections in 2004 which left me with neck pain and headaches to the top of my head.Went to a doctor who claimed to be very edjucated when it comes to botox,he said my symtems are not botox related.Reading all these testamonials,iknow botox is bad for youre body.

• Kimberly // Mar 8, 2005 at 7:39 pm

  Please help.

  Has anyone experienced a mild trembling in their body when first lying down to rest or sleep. I experience it for about 5 min. before it quiets down.I also noticed a shaking of my arm when I support my body weight against something like sitting on the floor and resting on one hand. My arem begins to shake.

  I felt it may be from the botox I get from my neurologist for migraines. 100cc every 4 months. I just cut back to 50cc as it is thining the muscle out so much on my forehead that when I laugh or become warm the veins show through. Its not nice to look at.

  I am seriously thinking of stopping the shots. I have had the headaches after the shots but did not last more than a day. Maybe some flu like symptoms but overall no other symptoms.

  But I am concerned with these tremors.Please if anyone has any experience like mine please e-mail me at drkimberly@comcast.net

• *minT // Mar 12, 2005 at 12:28 am

  hi, i’m a freshmen in an international school in bangkok and i’m really interested with this topic about BOTOX. Since my LC [literature and composition] teacher gave me an assignment about writing an essay about any controversial issue,, i choose to do an essay about BOTOX which i’m against it. I’ve been finding about the harmful effects of BOTOX for about 3 months now, but i just can’t find it. It seems that most people are happy with the results. So if anyone who have tried it and got harmful effects, please email me the details about the harmful side effects. Or if anyone who knew or found the websites which contains the details of the possible side effects, u can just post it in here or email me.

  i’m glad that i’ve found this webpage ,, i felt more relief knowing that my essay against BOTOX will hav people that can prove to me that BOTOX can really cause serious side effects.

  Thank-you again for your help ,, i’m waiting for the email…

• Sherry // Mar 15, 2005 at 10:16 am

  Oh my gosh!!!! I never put it together!!! For the last several months I have been going to my PCP c/o “tired of feeling sick”! Until this forum, I hadn’t put together that I became symptomatic after my 1st Botox treatment! I also c/o of a sudden compromised lung capacity and difficulty breathing, in which case I was (at age 53) suddenly diagnosed with asthma! Oh my gosh, this has all happened in the last several months — post botox! Not having put it together, I went in and had another Botox at the end of last week and this morning I woke up with a sore throat and terrible taste in my mouth, which I just realized I had onece before — after my last Botox tx! And, did I mention that my pcp has also been running thyroid tests on me, which also just happened to be causing a problem. Holy toledo!…why is this information not out there for potential Botox users? If anyone os going to take action…LET ME KNOW! Thanx for this site!

• stephanie Patterson // Mar 25, 2005 at 12:12 pm

  My mother recently recieved her third round of Botox injections in her neck for muscle spasms. Two days later she suffered a stroke. The doctors cannot find a reason for why she had a stroke and are insisting that it couldn’t be the Botox injections. Has anyone else heard of Botox causing a stroke or has there been any research relating Botox to the prevention of neurotransmitters firing?

• Betting Odds // May 2, 2005 at 12:39 pm

  This is a beautiful website! I like all the colors and how easy it is to move from each page. Thanks!

• sheila // May 10, 2005 at 6:36 am

  I have a very bizarre story but need help to prove it. I was given botox in my neck and back 3 different times, after the 2nd, I told my Dr. that I was having weird things happening to me including black outs, phycotic episodes, seizures and even criminal behavior and thinking. Everyone says I have totally changed, not the same person. Has anyone else experienced this?

• Jackie // May 26, 2005 at 5:49 pm

  I am interested in hearing from people who have developed lung problems. I am on full time oxygen now, for no explainable reason, and the downhill slide began after beginning botox. I don’t want there to be a connection, because I love the way botox makes me look, but I may be slowing killing myself! Please, anyone, write me!

• barbie // Jun 4, 2005 at 7:23 pm

  I was very excited about trying Botox for the first time, and am very confident that the Dermatologist administering the Botox is among the best in the country. That having been said however, I ended up in the ER with an elevated heart rate and blood pressure which came on immediately! i was going to do my forehead and crow’s feet, but never got to the crow’s feet. Immediately after 3 injections in my forehead, I started to feel wierd. I asked my Dr. if this was normal, and he said sometimes people are just apprehensive the 1st time, and perhaps we should take a break until I felt comfortable. i had him check my pulse, which he admitted was high - about 90 beats per minute. I got up the courage for him to do 2 more on my forehead, and again immediately started feeling bad. I do have a history of mitral valve prolapse which perhaps had something to do with it. He hooked me up to a heart monitor, and noticed that my rate was very high - about 112 beats per minute, but regular. My blood pressure was much higher than normal for me, and my body began to tremble. They covered me with blankets, but the trembling would come and go in waves. They took me to the ER which is located across the street from his office. The Drs there were unable to give any answer for certain - possibly and anxiety attack or a reaction to the Botox. I know it wasn’t an anxiety attack - I was not at all anxious, and the injections were nothing compared to the discomfort of spider vein therapy or photo facials which I have undergone without any complications. I know it was directly related to the Botox itself. My own personal physician has recommended that I should avoid any Botox in the future - I guess I have to learn to grow old gracefully!!!!!!!!!!!

• Marina K. // Jun 14, 2005 at 9:29 pm

  Fantastic forum that should be made more public - I had Botox once with great results but was concerned at the casual attitude of the doctor when asking about possible side effects. A poison is a poison and I would rather grow old gracefully than suffer from permanent disfiguration that this poison has caused for some.

• astrid thomas // Jun 15, 2005 at 2:42 am

  the lady that died from botox,i think its very unlikely.

  i would put it down to the lidocaine,because i have had reactions to this dreadful stuff,when i go to the dentist i am always ill,with fast heart beat and i feel ill.

  has anyone else suffered from this nasty drug.

  astrid

• Roze // Jun 22, 2005 at 4:58 pm

  I also tried botox yesterday for the fist time. 6-21-05. I’m feeling fine except I feel like my forehead is tight but for sure no frown line. I was concerned and went back to the office and they said things were looking fine and I was just getting nervous over no reason. She said in a few more days you won’t feel that tight head band feeling. Oh well. after reading this post I would never do it again. and like most of you fine women I will grow old naturally.

• Bev Dobson // Aug 23, 2005 at 3:14 pm

  Notice to all migraine and/or permanent headache sufferers. I have found a treatment that seems to be working at least it lasts about 3-4 months at a time. My neurologist has been giving me propofol infusions. It is the thick white sedative they give you just before putting your under for surgery. He knocks me out for about 20-30minutes up to 400mgs I believe and I wake up go and go home. It seems to take a few days up to 7 and then no headaches. I have had it done 3 times know and it is amazing to go months without a severe and blinding headache. .a few very very mild ones that regular tylenol works on. It isn’t a complete solution but it is better than anything else I have tried - FIORINAL, IMITREX, MALTAX, AMERGE, TOPAMAX, RELPAX, BOTOX, DHE, etc etc.

• Kay // Sep 26, 2005 at 9:44 am

  I had botox for the 3rd time. My dermotogist gave it to me under my eye to help flatten out some wrinkles under my eye… it caused me to have puffy bags on the sides (near my upper cheek bones). Could this be due to weakening of the muscles under the eyes? I have heard that doctors are not suppose to give shots underneath the eyes….. Anyone have any similiar experiences? Now I have these puffy bags which I have NEVER had before.

  HELP.

• Ginger Parks // Sep 26, 2005 at 3:37 pm

  I had botox injections 2 months ago and I will never do it again. I immediately developed puffy bags under my eyes that will not go away and both eyelids are drooping. I have an annoying twitch that worsens when I smile or try to open my eyes wide open. It is unconfortable to smile. I thought I was getting it done by the best Doctor in town. Nothing good came from doing this. I hope this condition will go away. If not, I have paid a big price to reduce a couple of frown lines!

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