[Burntmarshmallow]

http://www.healthcentral.com/migrain...5.html?ic=4004

(Thanks Pono I have been there too teg and neurotin )

PLEASE inform your doctor with all and any concerns you have with your medications , risks and side affects!!!!!

[dmplaura]

That's scary stuff. In a way, it makes me glad I had such bad side effects I never stayed on an anti convulsant long term. I always read up on medications I take. Some of the side effects can be quite scary.

[Bassetcase]

Yeah, that is pretty scary- so now what do we take?? Since I rarely take the tegretol, I of course have not had this side effect, but if I have to start taking it daily I will have to see if there is another drug to replace it.

Is there anything prescribed for TN that is not on the list?

[dmplaura]

Originally Posted by Bassetcase

Is there anything prescribed for TN that is not on the list?

Running out to work, but I believe that was a list of commonly used anti convulsant medications specifically.

I actually take Clonazepam (which is a benzodiazepine with anti convulsant properties) 'as needed' for my burning pain, since I can't take the anti convulsants/anti depressants as off label pain relief due to side effects.

Clonazepam is highly addictive and habit forming. I'm only taking 1mg a day currently, but as my current flare seems to be calming down, I'm slowly reducing my dose of Clonazepam. Once you're on it for a couple weeks consistently, you can have trouble if you try to stop it immediately.

[EE03]

I take a regular dose of baclofen, which is a muscle relaxer and works for my TN. I supplement it with Klonopin/clonazepam as needed when the pain really flares. It does knock down the electrical episodes. My pain occurs daily and I can't be totally off of meds.

[dmplaura]

Originally Posted by EE03

I take a regular dose of baclofen, which is a muscle relaxer and works for my TN. I supplement it with Klonopin/clonazepam as needed when the pain really flares. It does knock down the electrical episodes. My pain occurs daily and I can't be totally off of meds.

Exactly.

My neuro isn't pleased with the idea of Clonazepam, and neither is my GP. Neuro wants me to look into medical marijuana instead (since as a Canadian, that option is available to me potentially!).

[EE03]

I don't use Klonopin every day. If I had to average my use, I'd say 2-3 times a week and only when I can't take the pain anymore. I know this won't last, but its good enough while it does.

[dmplaura]

I actually saw my GP today, and she's prescribed me Clonazepam for my pains long term. I also have TMJ and Multiple Sclerosis playing into the TN/ATN fiasco, and I don't have a secondary medication.

My GP actually said she thought about my situation and that the Clonazepam at 1mg daily (or .5mg if I don't need 1mg) long term may not be a bad idea for me in my situation.

I asked about a pain specialist. Sadly, there's 1 available here. Apparently he's excellent. Apparently there is also a waiting list 2-3 years long to see him .

[EE03]

Its great that you have a good pain doctor available though. I think I'd get on his waiting list, just in case. Baclofen is used a lot for MS patients to treat muscle spasticity, but in trials for TN, studies showed it only helped somewhere around 65-70% of patients, if memory serves me right. I feel really lucky to be one of the ones its helping. Have you got a copy of Striking Back? That book is a must have for anyone with TN.

[dmplaura]

Originally Posted by EE03

Have you got a copy of Striking Back? That book is a must have for anyone with TN.

Nope, but I'll be looking this one up. Thank you very much for the suggestion.