Botox: long term side effects
There was a paper published recently, late last year, on an investigation of the effects of botox on CNS neurons using a 3D tissue culture model. See: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11022717/pdf/ADVS-11-2305326.pdf
I had a bad experience with Botox. I started treatment with it in late 2019, and by early 2021, I was complaining of symptoms that I describe as a form of dementia. One of several deficiencies that I noticed was that I was no longer able to do mental mathematical calculations and estimates which were customary and routine for me. I also experienced atypical (for me) mood disorders. This was a huge red flag, and I discontinued Botox treatments in early 2021. I have now (mid-2025) mostly recovered from the symptoms that were the subjects of my complaints. The initial onset of symptoms was subtle and delayed. It was at least 9 months into my treatment before I noticed any cognitive problems. Recovery was gradual with distressingly slow progress. I am now mostly recovered; I can do my customary mental math with little difficulty.
My suggestions for others: Do NOT use Botox *At ALL*, for *ANY* reason.
Hello
, oh dear! I am so sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience with Botox. I can hear how worrisome and distressing it was for you to have cognitive problems as a side effect. We appreciate you including the article that with more information, also. As with any treatment, there are potential risks and side effects, and how unfortunate that you were one of the people who experienced that risk. For some people Botox has been helpful in managing their migraine, with minimal to no side effect, but, with any medication, one has to weigh the potential risk versus the potential benefit. It certainly is understandable that, given your experience, you avoid Botox. Thank you for sharing your experience with Botox with the community here. Have you since found an alternative treatment that is helping you get some relief from migraine? -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
I have given up on preventive treatments and have returned to using sumitriptan as I have used it for years as an acute episodal abortive treatment.
After I ended my failed and disastrous experiment with Botox, I tried Ajovy. This was also a failure due to side effects which, for me, presented as excessive daytime drowsiness and brain fog, and I terminated that experiment also. My conclusions are that the medical researchers have no idea what they are really doing with either of these drugs and I have *NO* confidence in them at all. I am currently (about 2 years after ending the Ajovy treatments) managing chronic hypersomnia with Adderall, and I am still working on optimizing the dosing schedule. I have mostly recovered from the dementia, and the Adderall helps with this. The hypersomnia seems to persist and returns in full without Adderall treatment. I am alleging medication injury from both Botox and Ajovy, and I am considering the possibility of making legal claims of disability.
It's certainly possible to do it! Holly wrote extensively about her journey of getting, losing and restoring her benefits if you want to check her articles out. The comments below each article can offer you some insight as well:
https://migraine.com/forums/disability-benefits-lost-won
Keep in mind that every experience is different, so try not to go into it expecting any particular outcome. Take the tips that work for you and leave what isn't useful. Best of luck no matter what you choose to do! -Melissa, team member
