Guidance on drug use
General
Carbamazapine
Oxcarbazepine
Lamotrigine dosages
Pregabalin
Gabapetin (Neurotin)
Medical Treatment: general precautions
There are various medical and surgical treatments for TN. The usual process is to start with medication, most commonly anticonvulsants originally developed to treat epilepsy. Patients need to understand that these medications do not work like painkillers; it is necessary to maintain a therapeutic level of medication in the bloodstream for effective relief of the pain. Taking anticonvulsants can lead to blood disorders or other side-effects. The doctor will routinely ask for a blood test before starting treatment, then these tests are repeated regularly in order to check the medication level, and any changes, in your blood. Any rash should be reported to the doctor immediately. Taking the medication irregularly is not effective. To avoid severe side-effects, the medication is increased or decreased slowly, according to the doctor's advice. After having been pain-free for about three to six weeks, the medication is then slowly reduced. Abrupt withdrawal can lead to serious side-effects.
This page was updated on 8 August 2009
