Botulinum toxin and its effects
The antidepressant effect of Botox was observed at various injection sites.
Botulinum toxin (BT, BTX, or BoNT) is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a toxin that affects the nervous system, when food poisoning is caused by this bacterium.
Depression is a common mental condition characterized by continuous feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Many people use combinations of antidepressants and medications to help manage these symptoms.
Over the years, physicians have found that botulinum toxin, administered for cosmetic purposes, alleviates the symptoms of depression in their patients. It was believed that the release of tension from the wrinkles on the forehead breaks the loop of amplification of negative emotions. But then they realized that the mechanism could be more complex because it doesn't really matter where the botulinum toxin is used.
Patients who received botulinum toxin injections in 6 different areas for the treatment of conditions such as hyperhidrosis, facial wrinkles, migraine prevention, spasticity, and spasms experienced depression 40% to 88% less frequently than patients who received other treatments for the same conditions. in one study.
The authors proposed several possible mechanisms for the antidepressant effects of botulinum toxin, including transneural transport in regions of the central nervous system that regulate mood and emotion, distribution through systems including muscle stress memory, and efficacy in primary treatment. Although the mechanism of this action is not fully understood, they relieve somatic symptoms that improve mood.
It is possible that the relief of psychological stress associated with neck spasms and profuse sweating also produce antidepressant effects. And, when depression is manifested by a series of somatic symptoms - body aches, insomnia, sweating, then the removal of these somatic symptoms helps to remove mood dysregulation.
In cosmetology, it is used to eliminate mimic wrinkles and lift the face oval:
🌼 between the eyebrows;
🌼 forehead;
🌼 corners of the eyes and mouth;
🌼 wrinkles around the lips.
This is one of the most effective cosmetic procedures. The duration of the effect depends on your exchange (up to six months). During the procedure, tense muscles relax.
Botulinum toxin injections are given to young people to prevent the formation of wrinkles and to correct increased mimic activity.
There is another amazing effect of this drug - it eliminates sweating at the injection sites. It is used to correct excessive sweating in the armpits, inguinal folds, palms and soles. The effect lasts 6-8 months.
How is the procedure carried out?
To begin, the doctor cleans your face with an alcohol-based antiseptic and, if desired, a local anesthetic is applied. The next step is to inject a botulinum toxin preparation into the muscles that cause wrinkles when contracting. Botulinum toxin temporarily paralyzes them, preventing them from contracting and causing wrinkles on the skin.
After the procedure, you will be able to return to your normal activities on the same day.
The cosmetic effects of botulinum toxin last 12 to 16 weeks, but its psychological benefits last longer.
Are there any side effects?
Botulinum toxin is generally safe. However, you may notice some side effects after the injection, including:
These side effects may be easier to tolerate than those associated with antidepressants.
Side effects of antidepressants may include:
In rare cases, botulinum toxin can cause botulism-like symptoms hours or weeks after injection. Contact your doctor if you have noted:
Warning
If you are currently taking antidepressants, do not stop taking them if you decide to try botulinum toxin injections.
Talk to your doctor about whether you can stop taking your antidepressant.
If you decide to stop taking antidepressants, do it slowly, reducing the dosage under the supervision of your doctor. This will help avoid complications such as withdrawal symptoms or worsening symptoms of depression.
Depression is a common mental condition characterized by continuous feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Many people use combinations of antidepressants and medications to help manage these symptoms.
Over the years, physicians have found that botulinum toxin, administered for cosmetic purposes, alleviates the symptoms of depression in their patients. It was believed that the release of tension from the wrinkles on the forehead breaks the loop of amplification of negative emotions. But then they realized that the mechanism could be more complex because it doesn't really matter where the botulinum toxin is used.
Patients who received botulinum toxin injections in 6 different areas for the treatment of conditions such as hyperhidrosis, facial wrinkles, migraine prevention, spasticity, and spasms experienced depression 40% to 88% less frequently than patients who received other treatments for the same conditions. in one study.
The authors proposed several possible mechanisms for the antidepressant effects of botulinum toxin, including transneural transport in regions of the central nervous system that regulate mood and emotion, distribution through systems including muscle stress memory, and efficacy in primary treatment. Although the mechanism of this action is not fully understood, they relieve somatic symptoms that improve mood.
It is possible that the relief of psychological stress associated with neck spasms and profuse sweating also produce antidepressant effects. And, when depression is manifested by a series of somatic symptoms - body aches, insomnia, sweating, then the removal of these somatic symptoms helps to remove mood dysregulation.
In cosmetology, it is used to eliminate mimic wrinkles and lift the face oval:
🌼 between the eyebrows;
🌼 forehead;
🌼 corners of the eyes and mouth;
🌼 wrinkles around the lips.
This is one of the most effective cosmetic procedures. The duration of the effect depends on your exchange (up to six months). During the procedure, tense muscles relax.
Botulinum toxin injections are given to young people to prevent the formation of wrinkles and to correct increased mimic activity.
There is another amazing effect of this drug - it eliminates sweating at the injection sites. It is used to correct excessive sweating in the armpits, inguinal folds, palms and soles. The effect lasts 6-8 months.
How is the procedure carried out?
To begin, the doctor cleans your face with an alcohol-based antiseptic and, if desired, a local anesthetic is applied. The next step is to inject a botulinum toxin preparation into the muscles that cause wrinkles when contracting. Botulinum toxin temporarily paralyzes them, preventing them from contracting and causing wrinkles on the skin.
After the procedure, you will be able to return to your normal activities on the same day.
The cosmetic effects of botulinum toxin last 12 to 16 weeks, but its psychological benefits last longer.
Are there any side effects?
Botulinum toxin is generally safe. However, you may notice some side effects after the injection, including:
- pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
- headache
- flu-like symptoms
- drooping eyelid or eyebrow (when injected between the eyebrows)
- dry eyes and increased lacrimation (when injected into the eye area).
These side effects may be easier to tolerate than those associated with antidepressants.
Side effects of antidepressants may include:
- nausea
- sexual dysfunction
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- increased appetite
- weight gain
- insomnia.
In rare cases, botulinum toxin can cause botulism-like symptoms hours or weeks after injection. Contact your doctor if you have noted:
- muscle weakness
- vision changes
- problems with swallowing and speaking
- breathing difficulties
- uncontrolled urination
Warning
If you are currently taking antidepressants, do not stop taking them if you decide to try botulinum toxin injections.
Talk to your doctor about whether you can stop taking your antidepressant.
If you decide to stop taking antidepressants, do it slowly, reducing the dosage under the supervision of your doctor. This will help avoid complications such as withdrawal symptoms or worsening symptoms of depression.