I was a member of this community years ago (for another condition) and posted about my great success with topical capsaicin for TN after Neurontin and Tegretol ultimately failed me or caused very unpleasant side effects.

I have used capsaicin (Zostrix HP in my case) for several years and have complete control of my TN symptoms. I now need to apply it only a couple of times a year. I do not know whether that is because the TN is simply quieter or the nerve is less able to transmit pain.

Everything you need to know can be googled. One useful source of info is the facial neuralgia org -- they have a page on capsaicin but I haven't been back her long enough to post the link.

TN is dreadful! Best of luck to everyone!