Hi T Buzz welcome we are glad you found us here . I wanted to give you a link to the TNA site in Canada--- http://www.tnac.org/
you may have already found the link in the useful websites stickie at the top of the forum but if not that is the link.
Yes it is a good idea not to drive until you are adjusted to a medication .It is good that the medication is helping. I guess your doctor will probably slowly bring up the dose until it is the most beneficial in reducing the pain.
putting heat on the area is a very good idea it helps warm and clam down the nerve . I use heat for my face. also cover up your ears and side of face when you are outside.I assume since you are in the great white north that is a given even without t.n. or face pain.
let us know how your apointment with your gp ends up . I agree with basset and think it is Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia but in my opinion the pain is the same it is just in a different area / location of head. the treatments and options are basically the same. so please read the threads and also lots of info with the stickies at the top of the forum too. welcome get comfy and if you have questions or need any help we are here and will try the best we can.

PEACE
BMW...Tina