[msheppard]

I have not officially been diagnosed with Atypical TN yet, but am 95% sure that I will get that diagnosis soon.
I am interested in trying tegretol but worry about it's side effects long term. Is it safe to take long term? I also have depression. Will it mess up my chemical balance because I see it also treats bipolar disorder. I'm not asking for official side effects, but your personal experiences. Also, if you take this long term can it shorten your lifespan? I had a neighbor who was bipolar and took lithium for years. He died of kidney failure due to the lithium.
Also, what about natural remedies or seeing a homeopathic doctor. Are there any positive results you have had for that?
Can you live a normal and decent life suffering from this?
I am currently taking gabapentin along with Excedrin migraine for the drill like pain in my right eye, but it is not working very well. This started back in February 2013 and has gotten worse. Although, as of now it still appears to be ATN and not TN.
Advice welcomed.
If any of you use the homeopathic route, how do I find a good doctor in my area for that? They are very expensive so I don't have the money to waste trying out doctors until I find a good one if I go that route.