Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is a prescription medication that’s injected into your muscles. It temporarily weakens and paralyzes your muscles, stopping them from contracting and relaxing.
Botox blocks the release of a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger in your body) called acetylcholine at the area where your nerves connect to your muscles. This stops your nerves from communicating with your muscles and telling them to contract, leading to weakness or paralysis in the injection area.
Perhaps the most widely known uses of Botox are its cosmetic applications. Its ability to paralyze the muscles in your face means it’s effective at smoothing wrinkles. However, it can also be used for a variety of medical conditions. Its Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved uses include:
- Chronic migraine: In adults who have migraine attacks for
15 days or more per month with headaches lasting longer than 4 hours, Botox injections can help reduce symptoms. It works by blocking the pain signals in the nerves and muscles in your head, neck, and face. - Spasticity: Spasticity refers to muscle stiffness and rigidity, sometimes causing involuntary muscle spasms. It might be caused by conditions like stroke or cerebral palsy. Botox injections into the affected limbs can relax and weaken the muscles, improving spasticity.
- Overactive bladder: In adults with overactive bladder, Botox injections can relax the muscles in this organ, reducing the urge to contract and empty. This can reduce the frequency of urination and improve incontinence symptoms.
- Strabismus: Strabismus is the medical term for eye misalignment, also known as a squint. Botox injections can weaken the muscles that control eye movement, which can help align your eyes.
- Hyperhidrosis: Hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating. Botox injections can block the nerve signals that activate your sweat glands, leading you to sweat less.
Botox injections are generally considered safe and effective for FDA-approved uses. However, like any medication, it can have some moderate side effects that generally resolve on their own, including:
- headache
- irritation at the injection site
- a cocked eyebrow
- a drooping eyelid
- decreased eye-closing strength
Botox doesn’t permanently affect your muscles. Its effects generally last around
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional like a licensed dermatologist if you think Botox may be right for you or if you have questions about how it affects your muscles.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.