Full Question:

I have been receiving Botox injections for my migraines for over a year now. I have noticed and informed my doctor that it was a miracle for the first 6 months and then it began no lasting as long. This time the injections seemed to not of done anything and I am back to my daily migraines and missing work and being anti-social. Can your body build up an immunity to the Botox so that it becomes no longer effective? I have tried to ask this of my doctor, but you can never get past the nurse until appointment time and they always give un-educated answers.

Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Trish.
         

Full Answer:

Dear Trish;

Yes, you can build a tolerance to any preventive, including Botox. The term for this is tachyphylaxis. It seems to occur less with Botox, but it does happen. Something that more commonly occurs is that there will be one injection cycle where it seems not to work as well, but then seems to work fine again the next injection cycle.

Good luck,
John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert

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About Ask the Clinician:

Dr. Krusz is a recognized expert in the fields of headache and  Migraine treatment and pain treatment. Each week, he and Lead Expert Teri Robert, team up to answer your questions about headaches and  Migraines. You can read more about Dr. Krusz or more about Teri Robert.

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© Teri Robert and J.C. Krusz, 2012.
Last updated July 9, 2012.