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Botox User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Botox has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 473 reviews on Drugs.com. 47% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 41% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Botox

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Cre...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 13, 2016

For Cervical Dystonia "Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience. I was diagnosed with cervical dystonia. I have been taking the shots for three years. I receive these shots every three months. The pain from these shots is very intense. I believe I receive seven injections per visit. I have tried to ice the area, but it does not help. I have had PT, as well as acupuncture, neither worked. I find the shots help for about three months. I like the results, but don't like the pain. The doctor says it is due to the tension of the muscles. Anyone else having this problem? Thanks for listening."

8 / 10
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68 Report
  • Ano...
  • September 29, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "Have had intractable migraines for 38 years. Just had 31 injections for migraines a month ago. Within 3 days, I began having muscle spasms in my neck and shoulders 24/7. Went back to the neurologist, and he gave me Lidoderm Patches (12 hours on, 12 hours off). They help somewhat, but the adhesive breaks out my skin. I choose to wear them during the day so I can function at work. My head feels so heavy that my neck muscles don't feel like they can support it, so I have to lie down in my car at work every few hours to relieve pressure. I am supposed to have a second round of injections in 2 months, but I have decided the side effects are worse than my 3-4 migraines a week. At least I had a few days without any pain before."

3 / 10
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99 Report
  • Sor...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 13, 2018

For Cervical Dystonia "I tried Botox injections in the back of my neck and front left side for cervical dystonia 2 weeks ago today. Total of 16 injections, the pain was something I never want to go through again. I have missed a total of 24 hours at work due to pain and overall difficulties with talking and this weird feeling of my head being pulled back into my neck. Intense piercing pain in the top of my head in the back. I have difficulty lifting with pain in my upper back, shoulders, and neck area. I am getting cramping at the back of my head near the hairline. Difficulty turning my head to the right (making it hard to reverse when driving). My throat is swollen, it is hard to eat. I knew about this as being a side effect. But the rest has been so much of a burden that I would rather have a head that shakes. I can’t see myself going through this process again. To top it all off, my head still is shaking. I am excited for this medication to wear off."

1 / 10
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55 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Dre...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 14, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I received my first round of Botox in October. I must admit there was some improvement in the frequency and severity of my migraines. What I didn't understand is the many, many drug interactions associated with Botox. Please do your research before trying Botox. I went for my second round in January. I was hesitant because I really wasn't feeling well. But my NP advised a second round. That's when things went way wrong. After about a week, I wasn't able to take any migraine medication because it gave me extreme anxiety. Eventually, I had anxiety full-time. I admitted myself to a hospital after three visits to the ER. None of the doctors acknowledged Botox side effects. I was really in the dark. Since then, I have done a lot of research. Don't do it!"

1 / 10
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72 Report
  • Kon...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 9, 2017

For Urinary Frequency "I've had an overactive bladder for years and have had several medications with little effect. Then came the suggestion of Botox. My doctor provided me with almost zero counseling on the effects. THEN, just as I was about to be put under, she asked me how much Botox I wanted her to administer. Dah! Should that be my decision? I wish I had never heard of Botox. I had the Botox treatment on July 1, 2016, and it's now Jan. 10, and I have not been able to urinate without a catheter since, which is over 6 months now. Beware, beware."

1 / 10
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69 Report

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  • Ali...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 12, 2015

For Urinary Frequency "I have had Botox for the last 5 years for this condition, and I have to say I have never looked back! Each time I have a longer gap between procedures, 3 so far, and it seems to improve every time. I had Vesicare before this, and I had a really bad reaction to it, so Botox was my offered option. I would never hesitate to recommend Botox!"

10 / 10
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72 Report
  • Tar...
  • January 13, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I've been experiencing migraines since about 12 years old. I've tried every medication and been in and out of hospitals. I'm 46 now and tried Botox. I received my two series and my first was okay, but one month before, I had a migraine for two weeks. Now, just this past week, I was in the emergency room because I was crawling on the floor, my head was hurting so bad, and I was vomiting all night. I was still having around 7-8 headaches in the month. I will not be going for the third shot. I was still on the preventive, taking two different pills for onset. This seems like too much medication. I'm so frustrated with this. I'm just going to settle; this is my way of life :("

2 / 10
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74 Report

More FAQ

  • Bob...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 30, 2020

For Urinary Incontinence "My 1st Botox treatment for urinary incontinence has been so very successful. What a life changer! Removing the stress of finding restrooms or wearing pads has given me freedom and peace of mind. A lovely miracle."

10 / 10
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44 Report
  • Dom...
  • January 7, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I have had migraines since a young girl, not realizing what they were. In 2009, the migraines started getting so bad they started affecting my day-to-day life. Many trips to the doctors and neurologists, changing prescriptions often due to lack of effectiveness. I was worried I would never find a medication that would help me. None of the oral medications were helping me. I started getting Botox injections almost a year ago. Skeptical but ready to try. Somewhat apprehensive about so many needles, I have to try to see if this might just be the saving grace from migraines. I am happy to report the Botox is a miracle drug for me. The injections are uncomfortable, but going from over 15 headaches a month to 3 or less per month. I am very happy! Thanks!"

10 / 10
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72 Report
  • Keh...
  • September 19, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I had Botox 7 months ago, and I'm just now able to pee just a little, so I still need to self-cath. Botox was the worst thing I could have done because it did nothing for my pain or my frequency. I had no problem peeing before Botox!"

1 / 10
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69 Report
  • Pip...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 6, 2019

For Cervical Dystonia "Botox has changed my life. From having my head twisted to the right and pulled down to my shoulder, I am now completely straight, and you wouldn't know I have dystonia. I actually had injections for years with little relief until I was referred to a new neuro, where the effects were miraculous. When I see people say it doesn't work for me, I often wonder if it's a case of whether the person doing the injections is not getting a good result, going by my own experience. Of course, I had the luxury of continuing, being from the UK, and it costing nothing. It could have been a very different story without the NHS."

9 / 10
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47 Report
  • Sab...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 11, 2020

For Urinary Frequency "I had the procedure today at the hospital, and the doctor that was doing my procedure said it would be just a little pinch. Well, she lied, it hurt and burned like I don't know what. Never felt anything like it. I told her many times to stop, she continued to torture me. Whoever said this procedure isn't painful is extremely lucky or under anesthesia. This procedure is very painful. I will not complete any follow-up treatments."

1 / 10
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43 Report
  • Mic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 26, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I had Botox injections for migraines almost a month ago and am still wearing a neck brace. For the first seven days, I had excruciating head pain, migraines, and neck pain. I felt like my neck was on fire. I called my doctor's office, Michigan Head Pain & Neurological Institute (MHNI), and was told that it is a common side effect and should fade after 5-10 days. The pain was unbearable. My physical therapist is the one who told me my neck muscles are not contracting, which is causing all the other smaller muscles to be strained from trying to support my head. It's absolutely terrible. After almost a month and still no relief. Never again! Still wearing a neck brace daily. MHNI says it's a rare but possible side effect. Have to wait for it to wear off."

1 / 10
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64 Report
  • Yvo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 30, 2021

For Urinary Incontinence "I’ve had MS for 27 years. Tried everything, nothing helped. My doctor said I needed to seriously consider Botox. I read all reviews on this site and was convinced it was a no. Doc convinced me otherwise. BIG MISTAKE. 3 UTIs in 1 month. Getting up 3x/night, every 2-3 hours. Procedure was painful. I’m now at wit's end as nothing helps my neurogenic bladder."

1 / 10
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35 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 18, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "I've had migraines for 26 years. I've tried every migraine medication with no success. They either didn't work, or the side effects were intolerable. This migraine has lasted 1 year. I received Botox injections and woke up the next morning with no pain. Finally, relief with relatively few side effects. I would recommend this to anyone who has minimal relief from typical migraine medications."

10 / 10
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94 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 21, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "When I did the first treatment, I didn't feel much. The doctor said he was going to use just half the dose to see if that would work for me. It didn't help much. Then, when I came back in 3 months, he gave me the whole dose, and I would say it took like 2 weeks until I could finally feel the results. It was awesome! I never used my medication again and was extremely happy with the results. Today, I am going for my 3rd session. If you are desperate, maybe this could be a solution for you! Give it a try! If you are scared, you actually haven't felt the pain from a real migraine to be willing to do anything to not experience it again."

8 / 10
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72 Report
  • Pam...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 7, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I've just had my third Botox injection. I didn't notice a huge improvement after the first lot of injections, although there still was an improvement from having 3 to 4 migraines per week to maybe one or 2 per week. The second lot of injections caused 2 weeks of 5 migraines per week, but then the breakthrough happened. 2 months completely migraine-free. I cannot remember the last time I have gone for that long without a migraine. It must be at least 30 years. I'm quietly optimistic that I have finally got a migraine solution that works."

10 / 10
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64 Report
  • Its...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 2, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I had the 31 recommended injections. In the first 24 hours, I developed extreme injection site pain. It felt like electrified acid had been injected into my head and neck. All the injection sites became extremely itchy, and my eyeballs were itchy. 48 hours later, my neck and shoulders locked into knots. At 72 hours (after the weekend), I returned to my doctor. The doctor said that it was all in my head, even though I couldn't turn my head to look over my shoulder. He prescribed Benadryl and Aleve. Benadryl helped the itchiness, but Aleve did nothing for the neck and shoulder pain. I've tried Motrin, heat, massage, and muscle relaxers... nothing has worked. At 10 days out, I can't hold my head up. The doctor is sending me to the ER."

1 / 10
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66 Report
  • Kic...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 23, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I had Botox for overactive bladder six weeks ago, and it's been nothing more than a nightmare for me. My main issues were frequency and bladder spasms, and the Botox has only worsened these issues. I initially experienced a great deal of bleeding with large clots for 12 hours, which I was unaware could occur - only slight spotting had been mentioned. Within a week, I could no longer urinate, and a Foley catheter was inserted. Six weeks on, my bladder remains seized, and despite a number of attempts to remove the catheter, my bladder hasn't improved. I have had two UTIs and been admitted to the emergency department for severe bladder trauma, urine retention, and UTI. I have suffered extreme anxiety as a result of all of this. It's not for everyone!"

1 / 10
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66 Report
  • Aro...
  • June 21, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I had my injections last Wed. I had to go to the ER last night for major acute water retention (can't pee). I have to wear a catheter with the bag. I'm pretty sure I will have to self-catheterize until the Botox wears off. I wish I never did it, it paralyzed my bladder. I will never have it done again. On the other hand, I'm glad I'm not the only one that suffers from OAB. I'm 36. Very disappointed why this had to happen to me, quality of life is worse with the Botox. At this point, I'd rather wear Depends. Please do not do this procedure. PLEASE, the possible side effects are not worth it at all."

1 / 10
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61 Report
  • Ind...
  • January 23, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "Migraine sufferer for 12 years; used Botox for 1.5 years (32 shots in my forehead, scalp, neck, and shoulders) until the last injection in July 2016 caused Bell's Palsy, blurry vision, and loss of hearing all on the right side. It's been 7 months and the droopy face is better, but vision and hearing have not returned. The neurologist said it should return by 6 months or most likely be permanent. I had to pay $1200 a quarter to lose my sight and hearing! Never use Botox...not worth it."

1 / 10
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61 Report
  • SXL...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 10, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "I've been getting Botox for migraines for over a year. I used to have migraines all day, every day. This has cut them down to 2-3 times a week. Although I do have to take other medication to help with it, I'm still very grateful that my doctor had me do the treatments. It's every 3 months and I end up getting 37 injections and I believe 175-200 units. The only side effect is usually a week or two after my neck will be weak and I'll have trouble holding it up if I'm bent forward to pick something up. It goes away but kind of annoying at first. I would recommend this to anyone that is a chronic migraine sufferer like myself."

9 / 10
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75 Report
  • Kim...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 9, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "After suffering from 15+ migraines that sometimes lasted 3 days, for over a year, my doctor decided I would be a good candidate for Botox. After my first treatment, I had about 10 migraines in total. Botox also helped against normal triggers that would cause my migraines. On days I wouldn't have a full-blown migraine prior to Botox, I had mild headaches consistently. This all died down after my first treatment. The needle itself does not hurt, but the actual injection of Botox does a little. If you have anxiety from needles, I would make sure you have an allotted time after the treatment to lay down. It definitely is worth the shots for a better quality of life."

10 / 10
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71 Report
  • Anx...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 23, 2012

For Migraine Prevention "Although this has greatly reduced my migraines in frequency and severity, the week after receiving it I go into extreme anxiety and weepiness that is crippling. It makes me nauseous and low. It subsides after about a week."

7 / 10
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80 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 10, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "Botox is the only medicine that has stopped my migraines for 4-5 months at a time. I've had migraines for over 40 years now, and I'm very happy that it is now approved by the FDA for migraine treatment."

10 / 10
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87 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.