Laura, the only thing that works for me is Butalbital (generic name for Fioricet), which dulls the exquisite pain, and puts me to sleep.

but because it's a barbiturate (with caffeine and Tylenol) it cannot be mixed with alcohol.

like you, I cannot take Neurontin (rare side effect, made me extremely loopy, I'll spare you the graphic description after only two doses), Pharmacist and Neuro both said "Make SURE you never take it again!"

I was recently diagnosed with ATN, and have had MS for nearly 21 years.

mine was said to be "Atypical" because it's bilateral, an equal side-of-the-head striker.

TN can affect some or all of these areas usually on one side of the face although more rarely (in about 5% of cases) it is bilateral.

http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/trigeminalneuralgia.html

I get quick icepick stabs, mostly in my right ear, sometimes behind my right ear, sometimes in my upper cheekbone area, and sometimes elsewhere on my head.

more rarely, the TN zings my lower jaw, and less frequently, inside the left ear.

least frequently, is a low, dull throbbing pain that sticks around for hours, it's bearable, if I lay down, rest, and darken the room.

and nobody better TALK to me while it's going on, as my usual self-control goes out the window.

TN is my *least* favorite symptom of MS.



more info here, on research and treatment:

http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/news/A...Neuralgia.html