Commonly Used Medication in the Treatment of TN
This anticonvulsant is the treatment of choice for TN. Recent studies have shown that it brings relief after 48 hours in 70 to 90% of TN patients. Doses must be evenly spaced out and taken regularly to be effective. Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness and difficulty in concentrating.
PHENYTOIN (Dilantin, Epanutin)
Also an anticonvulsant which was the drug of choice before carbamazepine. Not as effective but sometimes used for patients allergic to carbamazepine.
GABAPENTIN (Neurontin) and LAMOTRIGINE (Lamictal)
Considered to be the ‘new’ generation of anticonvulsants, their chemical composition is different. Gabapentin appears promising and has been proven in trials to be useful in post herpetic neuralgia. Lamotrigine has been used in a trial and found to be useful as an ‘add on’ but must be used slowly and so isn’t suitable for acute cases.
CLONAZEPAM (Klonopin, Rivotril)
A muscle relaxant from the same family as diazepam (valium) it works by slowing down the nervous system.
AMITRIPTYLINE (Elavil)
An antidepressant which can have pain-relieving properties, especially for chronic pain. It can be used in combination with an anticonvulsant for patients with typical and atypical symptoms.