Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Botox?Treating Migraines With BotoxDosing BotoxHow Effective Is It?Side EffectsSafely Using BotoxOther Options
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Botox?
Treating Migraines With Botox
Dosing Botox
How Effective Is It?
Side Effects
Safely Using Botox
Other Options
Botox has been approved since 2010 in the United States for treating chronic migraines in people aged 18 and over.It is an effective and economical therapeutic approach.
Various other brand and generic forms of onabotulinumtoxinA (OBTA) are available to treat different conditions.
Getty Images /DarioGaona
Botox is also approved to treat the following conditions:
Various brand and generic forms of onabotulinumtoxinA (OBTA) are available to treat different conditions. Other than Botox, some commonly available botulinum toxin type A brand names include Dysport, Xeomin, and Daxxify, which are available in injection powder for solution.It is also available in BoNT-A, BTA, and botulinum toxin type A generic forms.
Botox is also used for many other indications, including smoothing facial wrinkles, underarm sweating, uncontrollable blinking of the eyes, misaligned eyes, and overactive bladder.
It is used off-label (a medicine used for treating conditions for which FDA does not approve it) for conditions such as:
How Botox Works?
The possible mode of action of Botox in migraine is not fully known. However, the injections work to weaken or paralyze certain muscles or block specific nerves.The effects may last about three to 12 months.
Botulinum toxin type A has been FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic migraine since 2010. It has now become established as a well-tolerated option for the preventive therapy of chronic migraine.
Botox injections deliver neurotoxin into nerve endings at the scalp, neck, and shoulders. It works at the inflamed coverings of the brain and essential neurological pathways to help stop the chronic migraine process and prevent the onset of a migraine.
A healthcare provider will administer Botox injection into 31 key injection sites around the head and neck. A person may request a topical numbing cream to be comfortable during the procedure.
The recommended dose for treating chronic migraine is 155 units administered intramuscularly (into the muscle).
Your healthcare provider will administer the prescription dose in divided units into 31 key injection sites around the head and neck.
Repeat the dosing schedule every 12 weeks.
How Quickly Will Botox Work for Migraine?
Botox is effective in managing migraine, but it needs time to work. Some people may feel the benefits within four weeks.
However, it may take up to three treatments to reach efficacy in some people. The treatment is repeated every 12 weeks.
Botox is a low-cost option for the treatment of various kinds of migraines. It is effective at reducing the frequency of migraine attacks per month and lessens the severity of pain.
The safety and effectiveness of Botox have been established globally in more than 5,000 people with chronic migraine in various studies. Across different studies, Botox was well tolerated with fewer side effects during continued treatment cycles.
Another literature review evaluates the effectiveness of Botox andanti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (anti-CGRP)in treating migraine headaches. A comparison shows both anti-CGRP and Botox are effective and safe. However, Botox has fewer side effects, is more cost-efficient, and is easier to use.
Several different preparations of botulinum toxins exist worldwide, which are not identical or interchangeable.
According to various studies, repeated treatment with Botox showed that it is safe and well tolerated. However, it may cause some side effects.
Common Side Effects
Some common side effects include:
These side effects usually do not require medical attention.
Severe Side Effects
Some other side effects may include:
Consult your healthcare provider if any of the symptoms do not go away or worsen.
Boxed Warning
Botox comes with a boxed warning (an FDA safety warning) of distant spread to toxin effect that can be life-threatening.It can cause:
Swallowing and breathing difficulties can be life-threatening, and there have been reports of death. Children and people with preexisting conditions are at greater risk.
You should not use Botox injection if you have the following conditions:
Consult your healthcare provider before using Botox if you have any of these problems:
Botox injection may cause loss of strength or muscle weakness all over the body or impair vision. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other related activities unless you are assured how the injection has affected you.
Certain groups of drugs can interact with Botox. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any drug. Some examples include:
Alternative Options for Migraine Treatment
It is possible to manage migraine and prevent acute attacks. The management is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing additional attacks. Along with medications, many non-pharmacological means can also sometimes help to relieve pain.
Some tactics to ease symptoms may include:
Avoid thetriggers of migraine attacks, including sleep pattern changes, diet, physical activity, stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, and medicines.
In addition, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, eating schedule, adequate hydration, and improving sleep patterns can also make a difference.
Non-drug therapy for migraines, such asbiofeedback, relaxation training, and acupuncture, can help individuals cope with the body’s response to stress.
Summary
It is a botulinum toxin available in injectable form to treat various conditions. Many other brands of botulinum toxins, such as Daxxify, Desport, and Xeomin, are FDA-approved to treat various conditions. These brands are not interchangeable in any condition.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you want to try Botox for migraine, you should consult a headache specialist or neurologist. Your healthcare insurance provider may help you with the listings. You can also look for a specialist at theBotox injectionwebsite.You can continue to take other anti-migraine medications, especially those taken to stop a migraine attack.The Botox label does not specify that people should stop taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) before getting the injections.However, some healthcare providers may make that recommendation to reduce bleeding at the injection sites. You can use Tylenol (acetaminophen) as it does not interfere with blood clotting.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to try Botox for migraine, you should consult a headache specialist or neurologist. Your healthcare insurance provider may help you with the listings. You can also look for a specialist at theBotox injectionwebsite.
You can continue to take other anti-migraine medications, especially those taken to stop a migraine attack.The Botox label does not specify that people should stop taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) before getting the injections.However, some healthcare providers may make that recommendation to reduce bleeding at the injection sites. You can use Tylenol (acetaminophen) as it does not interfere with blood clotting.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Becker WJ.Botulinum toxin in the treatment of headache.Toxins (Basel). 2020;12(12):803. doi:10.3390/toxins12120803DailyMed.Label: Botox- onabotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution.Food and Drug Administration.Botox label.DailyMed.Label: Xeomin- incobotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionDailyMed. Label:Dysport- botulinum toxin type a injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionDailyMed.Label: Daxxify- botulinum toxin type a injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionMedlinePlus.Botox.Al-Ghamdi AS, Alghanemy N, Joharji H, Al-Qahtani D, Alghamdi H.Botulinum toxin: non cosmetic and off-label dermatological uses.Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery. 2015;19(1):1-8. doi:10.1016/j.jdds.2014.06.002Ramachandran R, Yaksh TL.Therapeutic use of botulinum toxin in migraine: mechanisms of action.Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(18):4177-4192. doi:10.1111/bph.12763Shaterian N, Shaterian N, Ghanaatpisheh A, et al.Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A) for treatment of migraine symptoms: a systematic review.Pain Res Manag. 2022;2022:3284446. doi:10.1155/2022/3284446Turkel CC, Aurora S, Diener HC, et al.Treatment of chronic migraine with Botox (onabotulinumtoxina): development, insights, and impact.Medicine (Baltimore).2023;102(Suppl):e32600. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000032600Siddiqui M, Shah PV, Balani P, Lopez AR, Nobleza CMN, Khan S.Comparing the efficacy, safety, and superiority of calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies and botox in preventing and treating migraines.Cureus. 13(1):e13002. doi:10.7759/cureus.13002Walker TJ, Dayan SH.Comparison and overview of currently available neurotoxins.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2014;7(2):31-39.Dodick DW, Turkel CC, DeGryse RE, et al.OnabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of chronic migraine: pooled results from the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phases of the PREEMPT clinical program.Headache. 2010;50(6):921-936. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01678.xHaghdoost F, Togha M.Migraine management: non-pharmacological points for patients and health care professionals.Open Medicine.2022;17(1):1869. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2020.047National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Migraine.Herd CP, Tomlinson CL, Rick C, et al.Botulinum toxins for the prevention of migraine in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(6):CD011616. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011616.pub2University Hospitals.Botox helps migraine sufferers find relief.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Becker WJ.Botulinum toxin in the treatment of headache.Toxins (Basel). 2020;12(12):803. doi:10.3390/toxins12120803DailyMed.Label: Botox- onabotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution.Food and Drug Administration.Botox label.DailyMed.Label: Xeomin- incobotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionDailyMed. Label:Dysport- botulinum toxin type a injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionDailyMed.Label: Daxxify- botulinum toxin type a injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionMedlinePlus.Botox.Al-Ghamdi AS, Alghanemy N, Joharji H, Al-Qahtani D, Alghamdi H.Botulinum toxin: non cosmetic and off-label dermatological uses.Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery. 2015;19(1):1-8. doi:10.1016/j.jdds.2014.06.002Ramachandran R, Yaksh TL.Therapeutic use of botulinum toxin in migraine: mechanisms of action.Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(18):4177-4192. doi:10.1111/bph.12763Shaterian N, Shaterian N, Ghanaatpisheh A, et al.Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A) for treatment of migraine symptoms: a systematic review.Pain Res Manag. 2022;2022:3284446. doi:10.1155/2022/3284446Turkel CC, Aurora S, Diener HC, et al.Treatment of chronic migraine with Botox (onabotulinumtoxina): development, insights, and impact.Medicine (Baltimore).2023;102(Suppl):e32600. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000032600Siddiqui M, Shah PV, Balani P, Lopez AR, Nobleza CMN, Khan S.Comparing the efficacy, safety, and superiority of calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies and botox in preventing and treating migraines.Cureus. 13(1):e13002. doi:10.7759/cureus.13002Walker TJ, Dayan SH.Comparison and overview of currently available neurotoxins.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2014;7(2):31-39.Dodick DW, Turkel CC, DeGryse RE, et al.OnabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of chronic migraine: pooled results from the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phases of the PREEMPT clinical program.Headache. 2010;50(6):921-936. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01678.xHaghdoost F, Togha M.Migraine management: non-pharmacological points for patients and health care professionals.Open Medicine.2022;17(1):1869. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2020.047National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Migraine.Herd CP, Tomlinson CL, Rick C, et al.Botulinum toxins for the prevention of migraine in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(6):CD011616. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011616.pub2University Hospitals.Botox helps migraine sufferers find relief.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Becker WJ.Botulinum toxin in the treatment of headache.Toxins (Basel). 2020;12(12):803. doi:10.3390/toxins12120803DailyMed.Label: Botox- onabotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution.Food and Drug Administration.Botox label.DailyMed.Label: Xeomin- incobotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionDailyMed. Label:Dysport- botulinum toxin type a injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionDailyMed.Label: Daxxify- botulinum toxin type a injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionMedlinePlus.Botox.Al-Ghamdi AS, Alghanemy N, Joharji H, Al-Qahtani D, Alghamdi H.Botulinum toxin: non cosmetic and off-label dermatological uses.Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery. 2015;19(1):1-8. doi:10.1016/j.jdds.2014.06.002Ramachandran R, Yaksh TL.Therapeutic use of botulinum toxin in migraine: mechanisms of action.Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(18):4177-4192. doi:10.1111/bph.12763Shaterian N, Shaterian N, Ghanaatpisheh A, et al.Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A) for treatment of migraine symptoms: a systematic review.Pain Res Manag. 2022;2022:3284446. doi:10.1155/2022/3284446Turkel CC, Aurora S, Diener HC, et al.Treatment of chronic migraine with Botox (onabotulinumtoxina): development, insights, and impact.Medicine (Baltimore).2023;102(Suppl):e32600. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000032600Siddiqui M, Shah PV, Balani P, Lopez AR, Nobleza CMN, Khan S.Comparing the efficacy, safety, and superiority of calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies and botox in preventing and treating migraines.Cureus. 13(1):e13002. doi:10.7759/cureus.13002Walker TJ, Dayan SH.Comparison and overview of currently available neurotoxins.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2014;7(2):31-39.Dodick DW, Turkel CC, DeGryse RE, et al.OnabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of chronic migraine: pooled results from the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phases of the PREEMPT clinical program.Headache. 2010;50(6):921-936. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01678.xHaghdoost F, Togha M.Migraine management: non-pharmacological points for patients and health care professionals.Open Medicine.2022;17(1):1869. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2020.047National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Migraine.Herd CP, Tomlinson CL, Rick C, et al.Botulinum toxins for the prevention of migraine in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(6):CD011616. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011616.pub2University Hospitals.Botox helps migraine sufferers find relief.
Becker WJ.Botulinum toxin in the treatment of headache.Toxins (Basel). 2020;12(12):803. doi:10.3390/toxins12120803
DailyMed.Label: Botox- onabotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution.
Food and Drug Administration.Botox label.
DailyMed.Label: Xeomin- incobotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution
DailyMed. Label:Dysport- botulinum toxin type a injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution
DailyMed.Label: Daxxify- botulinum toxin type a injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution
MedlinePlus.Botox.
Al-Ghamdi AS, Alghanemy N, Joharji H, Al-Qahtani D, Alghamdi H.Botulinum toxin: non cosmetic and off-label dermatological uses.Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery. 2015;19(1):1-8. doi:10.1016/j.jdds.2014.06.002
Ramachandran R, Yaksh TL.Therapeutic use of botulinum toxin in migraine: mechanisms of action.Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(18):4177-4192. doi:10.1111/bph.12763
Shaterian N, Shaterian N, Ghanaatpisheh A, et al.Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A) for treatment of migraine symptoms: a systematic review.Pain Res Manag. 2022;2022:3284446. doi:10.1155/2022/3284446
Turkel CC, Aurora S, Diener HC, et al.Treatment of chronic migraine with Botox (onabotulinumtoxina): development, insights, and impact.Medicine (Baltimore).2023;102(Suppl):e32600. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000032600
Siddiqui M, Shah PV, Balani P, Lopez AR, Nobleza CMN, Khan S.Comparing the efficacy, safety, and superiority of calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies and botox in preventing and treating migraines.Cureus. 13(1):e13002. doi:10.7759/cureus.13002
Walker TJ, Dayan SH.Comparison and overview of currently available neurotoxins.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2014;7(2):31-39.
Dodick DW, Turkel CC, DeGryse RE, et al.OnabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of chronic migraine: pooled results from the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phases of the PREEMPT clinical program.Headache. 2010;50(6):921-936. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2010.01678.x
Haghdoost F, Togha M.Migraine management: non-pharmacological points for patients and health care professionals.Open Medicine.2022;17(1):1869. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2020.047
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Migraine.
Herd CP, Tomlinson CL, Rick C, et al.Botulinum toxins for the prevention of migraine in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(6):CD011616. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011616.pub2
University Hospitals.Botox helps migraine sufferers find relief.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
