Is Botox able to help with depression? Consequently used for Occupational Medicine ?

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Is Botox able to help with depression? Consequently used for Occupational Medicine ?

The idea that Botox (botulinum toxin A) could help with 

depression is being explored by, Allergan, despite the latest 

trial showing patchy results.

Based on the “facial feedback” hypothesis, which holds that 

facial movement can influence emotional experience, 

Allegan is hopeful the drug’s anti-wrinkle and anti-frowning 

formula can  be used to improve mood.

Anecdotal evidence suggests Botox is already used off-label 

for this purpose.

Yet results from a phase II study of almost 260 patients show 

that Botox is unable to meaningfully reduce depression after 

six weeks compared with placebo.

A 30-unit dose of Botox appears to be better at reducing 

depression than placebo, but the results are clinically 

insignificant.

The study also suggests that less is more, with a stronger 50-

unit dose of the drug showing no benefit compared with the 

placebo.

Nonetheless, Allergan says it will press ahead with phase III.

“We are encouraged by these data and the potential impact 

on adults with major deperssive disorder,” says David 

Nicholson, Allergan’s chief research and development officer.

“Given our in-depth and extensive clinical trial experience in 

the central nervous system, including depression, we plan to 

move forward and develop a phase III program for a 

potential new treatment option for patients.”