Hello. Speaking of Tegretol, I had a bad reaction to it as well. I was covered with what looked to be Measles for almost a week. I was then started on 100 mg. Dylantin and 30 mg. Amytriptiline. These two held my T.N. off for ten yrs.
I thought it was over, but it was just beginning. I was in mayo clinic for three weeks. I would recommend Mayo to anyone who can't find answers anywhere else....................Blessings, Doodle bug7
The journey does just begin, and you will find your way.
( CAUSE WE"RE HERE )

I'm about to begin my third medicine tonight....Neurontin (300mg/3X per day). Hopefully, it will be "third time's the charm" and not "three strikes you're out".

How's the Neurontin working out for you, Creekman?
CAT

Just an update.....the Neurontin was a bust....same side effects as Tegretol. While waiting to see the new neurologist I went back to trying the Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) which before had no effect on the pain, but also had no side effects. After a few weeks on that, I finally started to notice about a 40% reduction in the pain. I then saw the neurologist on March 19th and he suggested sticking with the Trileptal for now. He also ordered an MRI, which I just had this past Friday (no results yet). Yesterday (Easter Sunday) was the first day in 18 months that I've had no face pain at all! Today was the second day! At this point, I'm thankful for one day at a time of relief.

Now to get this hernia surgery over with this coming Friday....more pain...lol!

Fowki,

Depending on how much Tegretol and/or drugs in general you are having to take, I would recommend getting another opinion before your GK treatment. I had a GK treatment, and it only gave me about 60 days pain free. On 4/3/09 I had the MVD surgery. I woke up pain free from the TN and no 'strikes' since. The GK is NOT considered a permanent fix where as the MVD is considered to be long term. I live in Newport Beach, CA and recommend you contact Dr. Chris Duma out of Hoag Hosptial. He is one of the premier brain and spine surgeons in OC and has performed 1000s of GK treatments and nearly 300 MVDs.

Best of luck in your decision.

Creekman,

Glad to hear you finally had a few pain-free days; at least from your TN. I'm sure you are anxious to get your MRI results. I hope your neurologist has lots of experience with TN treatments. I'd highly recommend getting a copy of your MRI for your own records. I did this and used it to show another neurologist who specialized in TN. He immediately referred me to the neuorsurgeon. Having my own copy of the MRI saved me several weeks of time.

Best of luck!

Todd