Is Botox bad for anxiety?

Author: Tianna Gerlach  |  Last update: Saturday, September 13, 2025

A study from the University of California San Diego found that anxiety was 22 to 72 percent lower in patients treated with Botox. The facial feedback hypothesis may help explain how Botox can lead to decreased ratings of anxiety.

Can Botox make anxiety worse?

A 2023 study by Mosahebi and colleagues at UCL found that 69% of respondents to a survey had experienced long-lasting adverse effects, such as pain, anxiety and headaches from Botox.

What is the best treatment for anxiety?

There are a wide range of psychological treatments for anxiety, including:
  • cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
  • exposure therapy (behaviour therapy)
  • interpersonal therapy (IPT)
  • mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
  • positive psychology.
  • psychotherapies.
  • counselling.
  • narrative therapy.

Does Botox mess with your nervous system?

FDA has reported adverse events after BoNT injection affecting nervous system far from initial site of injection such as speech disorder, nystagmus, restless leg syndrome, and even coma. Central nervous system involvement included 23.5% of serious and 24.9% of non-serious events (1).

What conditions should not get Botox?

If you are in poor general health, your skin is very thick or you have existing muscle weakness in the proposed injection site, you may not be a good candidate for Botox. Patients with sensitive skin may experience an allergic reaction at the injection site.

Can Botox be used to treat anxiety and depression?

What is the biggest risk of Botox?

Serious adverse effects after cosmetic use of botulinum toxin include dysphagia, muscle weakness, and allergic reactions [22, 23].

Who is not a good candidate for Botox?

People with existing medical conditions like allergies or autoimmune diseases. People with existing medical conditions, such as allergies or autoimmune diseases, should avoid getting Botox injections.

Can Botox affect your mental health?

Participants who received BOTOX injections experienced a decrease in strength of emotional response relative to those who received Restylane, particularly in response to a mildly positive (intended neutral) video clip. Values represent change in strength of emotional experience from pre- to post-treatment.

What is the best alternative to Botox?

Below are 10 alternatives to BOTOX® that might help if you're seeking smoother or firmer skin on your face.
  • Cosmetic Acupuncture. ...
  • Microneedling. ...
  • Chemical Peels. ...
  • Laser Therapy. ...
  • Cryotherapy. ...
  • Facial Creams. ...
  • Neuropeptides. ...
  • Face Patches.

What is the strongest anxiety relief?

Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), and Valium (diazepam), are fast-acting medications that can provide immediate relief for anxiety.

How did I cured my anxiety with a vitamin?

It has recently been discovered that taking high doses of vitamin B6 supplements significantly reduces feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.

What happens after 20 years of Botox?

Muscle Atrophy and Adaptation: After long-term Botox use, some facial muscles may experience mild atrophy due to limited activity. This can actually benefit patients who prefer a smoother look, as muscle activity that causes wrinkles is minimized.

Where to inject Botox for anxiety?

Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections into the “frown muscles” of the glabellar region have repeatedly been shown to improve emotional well-being and reduce symptoms of clinical depression.

What are the downsides of Botox?

Botox injections are usually safe when you're under the care of a licensed and skilled health care provider. The procedure can result in unwanted results or even cause harm if it's given incorrectly. Possible side effects and unwanted results include: Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site.

What do celebrities do instead of Botox?

Alternatives to Botox include different types of injectable neurotoxins and fillers, laser resurfacing, and cosmetic surgeries. Diet and a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce the signs of aging.

How to get rid of forehead lines without Botox?

Here are some other ways to deal with wrinkles on your forehead and other parts of your face, without Botox injections:
  1. Other Injectables. ...
  2. Skincare Products Such As Facial Creams (Non Invasive Treatment Options) ...
  3. Chemical Peel. ...
  4. Vitamins. ...
  5. Microneedling.

What are the danger zones of Botox?

A Deep Dive Into Botox Danger Zones
  • Zone 1: The Glabella Region. The glabella, located between the eyebrows, is a common area for treating frown lines. ...
  • Zone 2: Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Region. ...
  • Zone 3: The Nose Area. ...
  • Zone 4: Perioral Region (Around the Mouth) ...
  • Zone 5: The Jawline and Platysma Muscle. ...
  • Zone 6: Temporal Region.

Can Botox trigger anxiety?

While there is no evidence suggesting that Botox causes anxiety, many people have questioned Botox injections' side effects and long-term effects. Perhaps the only way Botox would cause anxiety is the nerves building up before the first Botox appointment.

Is Botox bad for your nervous system?

“The discovery that some of the injected toxin can travel through our nerves is worrying, considering the extreme potency of the toxin,” Professor Meunier said. “However, to this day no unwanted effect attributed to such transport has been reported, suggesting that Botox is safe to use,” he said.

Can you get Botox while on antidepressants?

Botox does not interact directly with any medications, but it can have an effect on how your body absorbs other medications.

What medication can you not have Botox with?

Examples of muscle relaxant drugs: Here are some muscle relaxers that may interact with Botox:
  • cyclobenzaprine (Fexmid)
  • metaxalone (Skelaxin)
  • carisoprodol (Soma)
  • tizanidine (Zanaflex)
  • methocarbamol (Robaxin)
  • baclofen (Lioresal)

At what age should you not get Botox?

While it's true that the FDA only recommends the use of Botox for those under the age of 65, the organization doesn't prohibit those in the aging population from receiving Botox injections, nor does it speak to the relative safety or efficacy of doing so.

What celebrity does not do Botox?

Kate Winslet has never had Botox as she says that as an actress, she doesn't want to freeze her facial expressions. While she now admits she has some wrinkles on her face, she says it doesn't change her morals or what she considers to be natural beauty.

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