Getting large amounts of vitamin B-12 through vitamin B-12 shots is not likely to harm your health. But vitamin B-12 may affect how well some drugs work. And some drugs can affect vitamin B-12 levels. So if you want to get vitamin B-12 shots, tell your health care provider first.
The B12 injection is generally very safe. However, some people may experience some pain, swelling or redness at the injection site, and in much rarer cases headaches, itching or nausea. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen please contact your GP or 111.
Generalized pain, including arthritis, back pain and muscle pain may occur after a vitamin B12 injection. Infections may also occur. An abnormal increase in red blood cells, a runny nose, chest pain, a swollen tongue and fever are additional adverse reactions that may occur after the injection.
Upon receiving the B12 injection, you may experience a skin reaction in or around the area in which the injection was placed. Pain, redness, and swelling may occur shortly after the procedure is complete. There may also be some irritation in the area, as well as a risk of infection.
Avoid alcohol for 48 hours after your treatment. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours after your treatment. Avoid touching the injection site for 6 hours after your treatment. You may experience a dull ache at the injections site for around 1 hour after your treatment.
Hydroxocobalamin starts to work straight away. However, it may take a few days or weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. Are there any long-term side effects? It's OK to have hydroxocobalamin injections for a long time.
If you have had neurological symptoms that affect your nervous system, such as numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, you'll be referred to a haematologist and may need to have injections every 2 months.
Simply put, how long the B12 shot will last is different for everyone. Though it differs a bit from one person to another, the effects of B12 vitamins usually last around 48 hours to 72 hours after the initial injection.
These days, vitamin B12 shots have even become popular in people without the vitamin deficiency. In fact, most local naturopaths or health and wellness clinics offer them on a walk-in basis with no prescription. Advocates for vitamin B12 injections say the shots can: Increase energy levels and combat fatigue.
Vitamin B12 is considered an important brain and nervous system micronutrient and is often used for anxiety. It helps to ensure normal function for your nerves, which can help combat physical symptoms of anxiety.
There's no solid proof that vitamin B-12 shots, also called injections, help you lose weight. Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble B complex vitamin. It's found naturally in many foods, such as meat, fish and dairy products.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can have distressing neuropsychiatric symptoms. It can have an etiological role in clinical presentations like depression, anxiety, psychosis, dementia, and delirium, requiring screening of at-risk populations.
Key points about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Symptoms include weak muscles, numbness, trouble walking, nausea, weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and increased heart rate. Treatment may include vitamin B12 supplements. It is also important to eat a well-balanced diet.
Stage 1 is decreased levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. Stage 2 is low concentration of vitamin B12 in the cell and metabolic abnormalities. Stage 3 is increased levels of homocysteine and MMA and decreased DNA synthesis resulting in neuropsychiatric symptoms. Stage 4 is macrocytic anemia.
Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine. High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache. Nausea and vomiting.
The B vitamins, and particularly vitamin B12, play a vital role in how your body produces what it needs for energy. If you're deficient in vitamin B12, an injection will definitely give your energy level a boost. In fact, one of the first signs of vitamin B12 deficiency is fatigue.
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can result in hematological changes, neurological and psychiatric problems, which can manifest as irritability, changes in personality, depression, and memory loss [9]. It is also known to worsen depression by excitotoxic reactions caused by the accumulation of homocysteine [10].
The injection is given into a muscle (known as an intramuscular injection).
Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression.
Diet. Some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet. A diet that includes meat, fish and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12, but people who do not regularly eat these foods can become deficient.