The effect of Botox is temporary, typically requiring repeat injections every 12 weeks.

This was statistically significant compared to the placebo (inactive treatment) group.

How Does Botox Work?

A Botox injection being prepared

Ricardo Mendoza Garbayo / Getty Images

Botox is derived from theClostridium botulinumbacterium.

Therefore, the recommended treatment schedule is every 12 weeks, equivalent to four treatments yearly.

Undergoing Botox injections is a relatively quick procedure, lasting around 20 minutes.

Most people can return to their daily activities immediately afterward.

The FDA recommends a total dose of 155 units, with five units per site.

These sites include:

After the injections, the Botox takes 10 to 14 days to take optimal effect.

Of people undergoing Botox.

In such cases, the reaction should be treated and the medication not used again.

Symptoms of botulinum toxin poisoning have been reported hours to weeks after injection.

They may include muscle weakness felt all over the body and breathing difficulties, among other neurological symptoms.

Other medical therapies, include:

Who Is Not a Candidate for Botox?

Depending on your insurance plan, you may have to pay a co-pay.

Summary

The FDA has approved Botox for the prevention of chronic migraines.

Numerous studies have proven Botox’s benefits in reducing headache days per month and improving quality of life.

It’s important to understand that there is no single best treatment plan for managing chronic migraine.

American Migraine Foundation.Frequently asked questions about onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) for migraine.

Frampton JE, Silberstein S.OnabotulinumtoxinA: a review in the prevention of chronic migraine.Drugs.

2018;78(5):589-600. doi:10.1007/s40265-018-0894-6.

Erratum in:Drugs.

2023;15(10):e46696.

2018;38(1):1-211. doi: 10.1177/0333102417738202

Garza I, Schwedt TJ.Chronic migraine.

In: UpToDate, Robertson CE (Ed), Wolters Kluwer

American Migraine Foundation.Botox for migraine.