5 Surprising Uses for Botox

Most often when we think about Botox it is for cosmetic use. However, Botox has many uses in medicine that people are often unaware of. Botox was first approved for medical use in the treatment of two eye muscle disorders more than 30 years ago. It was during use for treating eye conditions that the power of Botox for cosmetic reasons to minimize wrinkles was accidentally discovered. Botox is currently FDA-approved for 11 therapeutic indications and used “off label” for a number of other conditions.

Here are five uses of Botox you may not have known:

Chronic migraines - Botox injections are believed to interrupt pathways of pain transmission that cause headaches and migraines. Treating migraines generally requires multiple injections in the forehead, temple and neck. You should get this type of Botox treatment from a doctor who is trained in placement for best effect.

Hyperhidrosis - Excessive and often unpredictable sweating. People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest. Botox is approved for use in the axilla (armpits) and is used off label in other areas, most commonly the palms. It can significantly reduce sweating and typically lasts 6-12 months.

Cervical dystonia - A painful condition in which neck muscles contract involuntarily causing the head to turn to one side. Botox injections to these muscles can relieve these muscle contractions.

Overactive bladder - Botox injected into the bladder can help relieve urge incontinence or overactive bladder symptoms (involuntary loss of urine).

Depression - Of the 5 mentioned this is the only one that is not currently FDA-approved and has been the subject of much debate. There are several theories as to how Botox may help, one of the most popular being the “facial feedback hypothesis” which has roots all the way back to Charles Darwin and rests on the idea that by reducing frowning (through botox injections or otherwise) you can reduce negative emotions.

There are a number of other uses beyond these, in addition to of course helping to deal with unwanted wrinkles. In 2017 Botox made the Time Magazine cover as “The Drug That’s Treating Everything.” It is one of the most well-researched medicines in the world with an amazing list of current and potential future benefits!