Botox, or botulinum neurotoxin type A, is a well-known and widely publicized medication that most people associate with wrinkle reduction. What you may not know is that it is also used to treat many conditions other than wrinkles, and researchers are conducting studies to find other uses for the drug.
History
Dr. Alan Scott, an ophthalmologist from San Francisco, first developed Botox in the 1970s with the help of a biochemist who purified a strain of botulinum toxin. The idea came from searching for a cure to crossed eyes. Scott thought that a nerve poison that paralyzes eye muscles by pulling the eyes inward would cure the condition. Since the start of its use in 1994 in the United States, Botox has been shown effective and safe in treatments numbering in the millions.
Function
The active ingredient in Botox is a purified form of bolulinum toxin type A. This toxin is a purified form of a nerve poison that causes a disease called botulism that is fatal due to systemic muscle paralysis. When injected in microscopic amounts into the muscle in question, Botox will temporarily paralyze that muscle and stop its activity, resulting in favorable results for the patient. Other inactive ingredients of the drug include human albumin and sodium chloride.
Benefits
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Botox to treat cervical dystonia (abnormal head position that causes neck pain), crossed eyes, abnormal spasms of the eyelids, severe sweating in the armpits and wrinkle lines between the eyebrows. The New York Times reported in March 2010 that the FDA approved the use of Botox for treatment of spasms in the elbow, wrist and fingers. Other possible uses of Botox are for diabetic neuropathy, migraine headaches, voice tremors, overactive bladder and prostate enlargement as reported by ABC News. These uses are not approved by the FDA.
Warning
The most important life-threatening side effect you should know about Botox is that it may cause problems breathing, speaking and/or swallowing. This may occur within hours to weeks after an injection. If you already have a pre-existing condition that affects your swallowing or breathing, make sure to let your doctor know beforehand. If you experience any of these side effects, get medical treatment right away.
Considerations
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant or are breastfeeding because the safety of Botox has not been confirmed under these circumstances.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects of Botox may include headaches, fatigue, dry mouth, allergic reactions and eye problems.
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