Is it normal for TN to breakthru w/ pain only a few days after titrating upward on Carbamazepine?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Is it normal for TN to break-through w/ pain only a few days after titrating upward on Carbamazepine? It was pretty bad, last night-- I'd just raised dose on Wed; it took a few days to get used to lobotomy effects; effects better last night, but then, pain broke through, rather severely.

I have a bit of pain, now... trying to control it w/Tylenol and Fioricet. My PC doc put me on the Carbamazepine. I see him again on Tuesday.

I am beginning to wonder whether this is the drug for me...yes, I could go still higher (I'm only taking 600 mg. per day), but I become a vegetable for the first few days, each time-- and then, the pain breaks through again! Is this normal? I can't take most of those other drugs (have tried them before for other conditions, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis). All this is TN stuff is rather new to me; I haven't even seen specialist yet and been formally dx. (App't on May 1st). I have had this probably since October, but it only got super- bad the end of February; here it is, April (in October through January, I thought the pain was from two extracted, infected teeth).

(Also, the italicization and other word -editing things on that panel don't work on here, for me. )

Thanks!

0 likes, 25 replies

25 Replies

Prev
  • Posted

    HI L

    Great to hear from you

    when do you see your specialist re possible MRI and/or some surgical interventions?

    Cheers

    D

    • Posted

      Hi D,

      I don't know what he will recommend; he is actually a dentist, but also, a big shot facial pain specialist, in my area, associated with Jefferson Hospital, Phila., PA. Yes, some people from there are also saying to get hooked up to a surgeon... I am taking it one step at a time. Anyway, it's on May 1st (or, 1 May?) Mayday.

      I have never had luck with neurologists, in the past (have consulted them for migraine). We just never seem to get along. However, if he recommends one, I will go-- same w/ any other procedure (up to a point!) And then, there is insurance...

      And I am still wondering about the connection between migraine and TN in some rare cases? It's more like now, I just want to find out if it's classic TN, Atypical (TN 2), or whatever. Also, have a broken tooth; want to know how long I can let it go, will it exacerbate the TN if I have it out? Etc. Just want a treatment plan.

      But I plan to stay on the Carbaz, for the immediate future. My blood work looked good.

      Take care,

      L.

    • Posted

      I think nearly everyone starts their TN journey with a dental specialist

      Good Luck

      D

    • Posted

      Interesting! OK. But he's the big-shot facial doc in my area, too. I'm just glad I'm tolerating the Carbaz, but occasionally, I still get some break-thru pain, and also, occasionally, it still makes me...er... "dopey" (for want of a better word?) I also have migraine, so perhaps, it's a combination of all.

      Thanks,

      TTYL,

      L.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.