Skip to main content

Botox User Reviews & Ratings

Botox has an average rating of 5.5 out of 10 from a total of 431 reviews on Drugs.com. 46% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 43% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Botox

  • MimR
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 16, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "My daughter got Botox around 10 a.m. on Jan. 25, 2021. She went home and was dead by 3 pm. It traveled and took away her ability to breathe. We asked the doctor to give us a batch number, but she refused. My daughter has had Botox for a year, no problem. This time, it killed her."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
133 Report
  • Pisso...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 19, 2012

For Urinary Frequency "I was in a low dose Botox trial (300 vs 800) at a military medical facility. Detrol & Ditropan didn't work. I had frequent urgency, cramping caused by having to hold my urine, and many accidents. I was going to the loo all the time, having to leave meetings and bouncing around at my desk trying to hold my urine for any length (2 minutes) of time. I received botox which by tiny injections at the entrance of my bladder. A little uncomfortable. The next day I had no unusual urge to go, no cramps, no more bouncing, no running to the loo and many Depends a day. I was a totally normal without fear of accidents or ammonia smell for 8 months. It was fabulous - I was a real person again."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
211 Report
  • Lpano
  • September 6, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "It has been 3 months since my botox injection for migraines. And I am so sick: dizzy depressed insomnia anxiety extreme fatigue head feels like it is going to explode. I always feel like I want to throw up. My blood pressure is 100 over 50. Nothing relieves my pain. The neurologists actually yelled at me when I told her how sick I was. She said no way was it the Botox. Botox makes me nauseous I can't stand up. I just want it out of my body. Wish I never did this. I'm so scared"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
105 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • CAC
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 10, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Botox for migraines ruined my life. I lost my ability to swallow, lost control of my neck muscles, breathing difficulty, dry eyes, drooping lids, severe stomach cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, waking up through the night not breathing, body was in a constant panic attack for 5 months, rashes, tingling, spasms, high heart rate, low grade temp, the list goes on. The nerves never healed to my esophagus and now I'm 2 years out on a pureed diet at 31. Please read about the black box warning and side effects because I sure wish I did."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
95 Report
  • RAV
  • September 17, 2014

For Urinary Frequency "I am a 33 yo mom of 2. Very busy, very active. All the Overactive Bladder meds didn't really help and dry mouth was awful. I backed out of interstim twice, and when I heard about this option I was scared but had to try it, interstim was the only other choice. I am 7 days post botox 1st time. It has changed my life. I no longer have to void 3-4x before leaving my house to go somewhere. After having cystoscopies done, I was nervous. It wasn't as bad as I thought. The bladder where the injections were was painful voiding for 2 days, but it was worth it. No more voiding 3x per hour. If & when it wears off, I'd do it again. I have headaches off and on, may or may not be related but it was a life changer for me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
161 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Ranger
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 8, 2014

For Urinary Frequency "As of today I have received Botox for the forth time. I have explored over the years many, many options for treating my OAB (over active bladder) & IC (Intercystial Cystitis) including oral meds, physical therapy, a bladder sling (that was a good decision) & finally having the Interstem device implanted (that only produce a little improvement). I was my doctors first patient to receive the treatment. I am so grateful for this option. Before Botox I could not go far from home. Walking my dogs meant I had to wear a pad the size of a brick. By the time I made it home it would be soaked. At the age of 45I was depressed with my condition & options. Next week I am having my doctor remove my Interstim device. Having Botox is all I need."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
161 Report
  • Alan...
  • July 29, 2015

For Urinary Frequency "I had a single dose of Botox in 2008 for overactive bladder. I ended up with a partly paralysed bladder and having to use catheters ever since, and it is now 2015. Lies were told to me that function would return. It did not. My system has been poisoned and I have to self-catheterise dozens of times a day. My life has been destroyed"

Was this helpful?YesNo
139 Report

More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • October 14, 2011

For Urinary Frequency "After trying Vesicare and Enablex, neither of which offered much relief; with the side effect of dry mouth making it difficult to do my job which involves many daily consultations. I felt as though they caused my speech to be noticeably affected in a negative way. Botox has truly changed my life. The procedure itself was unpleasant but the results that I experienced within 7 days have given me (and my frustrated family) normalcy. If all else has failed, I highly recommend it. My extended medical plan denied my claim for reimbursement as Botox is not yet approved by Health Canada for this indication. I have an appeal filed."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
175 Report
  • Poodle3...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 4, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "After 18 years of chronic cluster migraines, lasting 2-5 days each and occurring 2-3 times a month, I think that I have used every medication possible for prevention with no luck. Then every possible nasal spray, injection, and medication to end the migraine, they got better, but never went away and when I did not have a migraine I still had a headache. I had 3-4 days a month when I felt no pain in my head. I have just had my 4th Botox treatment, so at the 1 year mark, my migraines are mostly gone, maybe 1 during the 3 months and only lasting 2 days max. I have some soreness in my neck for a day or 2 after my Botox, but this cannot even compare to my chronic cluster migraines. I did not ever think that anything would give me this kind of relief."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
138 Report
  • Craig...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 11, 2021

For Urinary Incontinence "The injection of Botox was totally invasive but tolerable. The initial side effects have been terrible. I immediately had urinary retention and could not urinate without a self administered catheter every 3-4 hours round the clock. Can you imagine using a catheter before going to bed then getting up from sleep two times during the night and then right then I get up? If this goes on much longer I will loose my mind."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
56 Report
  • Lanikai
  • October 6, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "The Botox not only was highly ineffective for me, but also left me with horrible neck and shoulder pain. My first Botox was over a year ago, a week after that I woke up with a frozen neck and shoulders pain. I was waiting for the 3 months mark for a relief, but it never came. It seems that the muscles that were injected became paralyzed and other ones started overcompensating, and thus became very tight and painful. Neck MRI came normal. 4 months ago I was talked again into the Botox and the neck pain got only worse. On top of that I am having this horrid nerve-like pain on the left side of my head. Besides, the Botox never helped with my migraines. So please be careful, cause you may end up worse than before..with a new kind of pain."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
117 Report
  • Fancy...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 20, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I tried everything, including every med available, kegel exercises, diet modification to eliminate acids, accupuncture. Nothing helped. Finally asked for testing to determine what to be treated and it was spasms completely! TVT was perfect, mesh intact. Was leary of Botox but desperate to get rid of pads and soaking all the time! Doctor said would take 3 weeks; I was backed to normal within 3 days! No pads, no frequency, no urges, no complications at all with bladder emptying. I feel like the poster lady for it! Wonderful!! And I'm 70 years old! It's a miracle. Yes, was a bit uncomfortable getting it but took maybe 5-10 minutes and worth it! Be sure your urologist is board certified, does tons of the procedure consistently and regularly!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
117 Report
  • Mom
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 8, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I have to say I'm shocked at the number of reviews from people just a few weeks out from their injections complaining of having to self-Cath or peeing more often. Did you not read any of the literature on this procedure? Did your doctor not explain what the Botox was doing to/for you? You are paralyzing your bladder muscles, i.e. they may not work at all or very well after, causing retention. This is why the literature states that if you are not prepared/willing to Cath after, don't do it! An organ is being stuck over and over with needles - don't you think that organ may be a little upset initially and freak out a bit with spasms (causing more frequent urination in some) until it has a chance to calm down?"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
110 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 26, 2012

For Migraine Prevention "My migraines became so severe and frequent that I was taking more abortive medications than my insurance covered. I also tried countless preventative medications but could not cope with the strange side effects of these pills. Four years ago, I started seeing a different neurologist at the military hospital and she recommended trying Botox injections. At first, I was quite hesitant. My first set of injections were practically painless. The sensation is similar to plucking eyebrow hairs, but nothing like getting a bikini wax! I've continued Botox every 3 months and my headaches are down to maybe 1 per month and they no longer affect my life as a busy mom. Botox has been a miracle for me!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
148 Report
  • Lpano
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 18, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "It has been 15 months since my only botox injections of 151 units. My headache is 1000 times worse than before the botox. No meds help. Lost about a foot of my hair. Nauseous anxiety insomnia chest pains ringing in ears feels like boa constrictors is squeezing my arms hard to swallow. It took my happiness away. Can't even get a botulism poison test. U have to go thru the CDC. And if you're not on a ventiltor at the ER then no test. The doctors lie to us to line their pockets and we are thrown to the curb. How do they sleep at night?"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
58 Report
  • Loulou
  • November 27, 2019

For Urinary Frequency "Hi Guys i am a 34 year old female and had botox in my bladder in July this year for urine frequency that I had been suffering with for years. Procedure went fine but a week in I was in so much pain. I had to self catheterize 4 times a day and have had 5 different antibiotics for infections. I am also in a lot of pain around the urethra area constantly. I would much rather go back to the way I was than to go through it again. Hoping it starts to wear off soon. The pain is driving me crazy and not getting much sleep. Is anyone else experiencing this pain. Its been over 4 months now since I had the botox procedure."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
67 Report
  • Laur
  • July 20, 2015

For Urinary Frequency "40 year old female with history of suffering with overactive bladder both urgency and frequency since 2009. I was having 2-3 leaks a day and at one point had to start wearing adult diapers.I tried all the conservative treatments-therapy, every prescription medication, and interstim in 2013. All of these methods failed for me. In July of 2014 I received my first dose of Botox, it helped a little with frequency not so much urgency. I just received my second dose of Botox on July 8,2015. This time my doctor increased my dose. As of July 13th I was no longer wearing pads or liners. I am one happy girl :) 6 long years of hope and finally something has worked for me. My frequency has decreased and there is NO sense of urgency and NO LEAKS. YAY!!!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
111 Report
  • Happy...
  • July 16, 2015

For Urinary Frequency "I've had an overactive bladder since I can remember as a child and came to think of it as "normal". Started taking Ditropan 25+ years ago but it along with other meds stopped working after a while. My urologist suggested Botox injections and it has been life changing! I sleep all night without having to get up to go to the bathroom 3 or 4 times like before Botox and can drink a cup of coffee without having to go at least 3 times an hour. I've had injections once a year for the last three years and couldn't be happier with the results. My suggestion is run don't walk to your doctor and have the injections! The results are as close to a miracle as I've ever experienced."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
109 Report
  • Vai
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 5, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I had a horrific response to the Botox I had for migraines. I ended up 5 days in the ER after most recent set of injections. Severe heart palpitations, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, feeling faint, weak, dizzy, rash all over my body, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, tightness in my throat, severe dry mouth, tingling in my hands, feet, limbs, etc. I will NEVER get these injections again. There have been days I can barely get up, so severely fatigued and weak. Stabbing random pains, difficulty sleeping, chest tightness and pain, back, head and neck pain, it has completed halted my way of daily life. Severely puffy eyelids and one is droopy. It has been almost a month since injections and I am still no where near normal. I was told the only thing they can offer me is life support at the hospital if I stop breathing on my own. This has been terrifying. It has caused sudden extreme anxiety, which I didn't have at all before. My neurologist made it sound like the worst that could happen is a droopy eyelid."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
69 Report
  • 4myboys
  • May 2, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "I was referred to a specialist after 20 years of migraines. She spoke with me about botox for migraines which at that point in my life I was desperate for any cure. The day I had it done I had a severe migraine. The neurologist told me it would be more painful and it would probably make my side effects worse BUT that it would only last a couple weeks at max. It lasted 3weeks of stiff neck and soreness. But after a month it was worth the soreness and stiff neck because the botox kicked in and for some reason helped me stay migraine free for a whole YEAR!? I'd recommend this to anyone desperate for some relief."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
118 Report
  • Jayne
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 20, 2019

For Urinary Frequency "Had this 20th November 2019 to help my problem of needing to pee every hour 24/7 and I now go about 4 time a day and sleep all night which has not happened in 4 years I was so tired but after this is a life changer, tiny little sting when put Botox in. I will recommend it 100 percent"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
60 Report
  • Darcy
  • January 1, 2021

For Urinary Incontinence "I just recently went through the Botox procedure for Over Active Bladder. This has been wonderful for me! I no longer need to worry about accidents. The procedure was done as an outpatient. I encourage anyone who is experiencing OAB to seek help."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
48 Report
  • MillieG
  • October 20, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I've had OAB for 10 years, no leakage, just urgency/frequency, varying between awful pressure or just niggly frequency. Tried everything over the years and finally had botox 2 weeks ago. Well, what a complete waste of time - it has not worked, the pressure is so intense, it feels worse than before! Saw the nurse today, peeing ok by myself (no catheter required) and no retention, no UTI. She said I have to allow 4 weeks for "it all to calm down" but I'm not holding out much hope. She is arranging for me to see the urologist asap but that will still be another 4 weeks. Sick of my life revolving around my bladder."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
89 Report
  • Von
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 18, 2019

For Urinary Incontinence "I first received Botox for urinary problems under local anesthetic in my doc’s office in Nov, 2018. Not horribly uncomfortable. I went to work and was experiencing UTI symptoms. By the afternoon, however, those symptoms diminished and I felt like I could already see positive results from the Botox. I was pad-free within a week. Results only lasted 3-4 months. In June, 2019, l had surgery for vaginal and rectal prolapse and a mesh sling put under the neck of my bladder. Hope was that I would not need Botox again. Back in surgery in Oct, 2019 to administer Botox and remove mesh sling (it became exposed in my body). This is now 2 weeks later...NO improvement with urge incontinence. I feel I am wetting myself MORE. Two days ago, I started Rx for UTI. The past 3 nights have been miserable...up to pee 7-8 times, and usually wetting myself before I make it to toilet. I’m so worried and sad about my future."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
60 Report
  • Great...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 18, 2015

For Urinary Frequency "I was not sure about botox in the bladder but thank heaven I tried it. I had given up going out , walking, sleeping and even visiting people. I am about to have my third treatment. I still do my exercises regularely and find that it now lasts me well over a year. I had given, up until my specialist recommended it for me. I sure am happy I listed to him. I had been told that there was nothing else that could be done by two other specialist. For anyone out there that is not sure please try it. It only takes 10 minutes in the office and then I am ready to go. You do not feel a thing. I am 73 yearsold."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
101 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.