As with many cosmetic breakthroughs, it was a noticeable side effect from treating eyelid tics, muscle spasms and excessive sweating. A few years later, in 2002, the FDA approved Botox for cosmetic use to treat wrinkles. So, 15 years later, here we are: botox is a $2.9 billion business and about as shocking as dropping three paracetomol instead of the recommended two.

The fact is that, today, botox still has its uses far beyond mere aesthetics. It’s commonly associated with treatment for migraines (granted as a last resort), or to reduce oil production, which can lead to acne, to calm excessive sweating or even to treat spasticity movement disorders such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. All physical issues, and all understandable when you consider how a muscle relaxant works. But mood alteration? Courtesy of a drug that doesn’t fit into the standard foil-wrapped-and-boxed category? The new thinking is that botox could treat anxiety and depression.