I was originally diagnosed (MRI) with trigeminal neuralgia about a year ago. Since then my symptoms have increased and now my diagnosis has been expanded to include 'atypical facial pain'. The numbness & tingling is constant now and moves around my head - the medications are pretty debilitating for me. The side effects are so that I can't function. I have never lasted a month on any of my meds because of side effects. Tegretol, neurontin & cymbals are drugs I have tried. Latest drug was cymbalta. Apparently these drugs really make me feeling drugged, sluggish and 'out of it'. I am still working and do not want to retire so maintaining my clarity is really important to me. My discomfort is becoming increasingly worse so am contemplating trying one of the meds again. My pain is more burning, tingling numbing. Occasionally I do get the sharp, stabbing intense pain but it isn't constant. I wonder if I pushed myself to try one meds again if the side effects would diminish after a certain period of time. Depressed to say the least.

Hi Moog,

Sorry you are afflicted so, but I understand fully - you and I are in the same boat. I have classic TN caused by an arterial knot round my left Trigeminal Nerve. For some strange, undiagnosed, reason I also have constant Neuropathic Facial Pain/Paresthesia, left side, from forehead to jawline. Due to idiot Neuros, I went 10 years without proper diagnosis.

Because I also suffer chronic Cluster Headaches, those are treated as a priority with Topiramate (Topamax). One side effect is a reduction in my facial pains of about 25%. The numbness is still extremely aggravating and the pain, at it's worse is a 6-7, but it is bearable. The terrible side effects of the meds are easier to deal with than the pain and ease with time - well, they become tolerable.

Surgery is not an option for me, I have a bad heart, but that could be something to look at aftet you have exhausted all medication options.

Dave.