Trigeminal neuralgia refers to a condition in which electric-like pain shoots through the face and surrounding regions. The Mayo Clinic says that this pain can be severe, jabbing or shooting in nature. In some instances, the pain can also affect the teeth, jaw, gums, lips, forehead and eyes. Drugs for trigeminal neuralgia exist to manage these symptoms.
Oxycarbazepine
Oxycarbazepine, commonly sold as Trileptal, commonly treats trigeminal neuralgia. Drugs.com says that oxycarbazepine also treats seizures. Specifically, this drug is an anticonvulsant medication that decreases the electrical activity in the brain.
Oxycarbazepine's less serious side effects include stomach pain, nausea, tremors, shaking, drowsiness and a skin rash. Blurry vision, a lack of coordination, unsteadiness, speech problems and diarrhea might also be experienced. Inform a physician if oxycarbazepine's less serious side effects last for more than seven days.
This drug's serious side effects include swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, headache, a sore throat, yellowing of the skin or eyes, weakness and easy bleeding or bruising. Notify a doctor immediately if oxycarbazepine leads to these effects.
A change in oxycarbazepine's dose may be required when suffering from kidney disease.
Oxycarbazepine is a tablet taken daily or as indicated.
Phenytoin
Phenytoin, commonly sold as Dilantin or Phenytek, is another drug that treats trigeminal neuralgia. MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, says that this drug also treats seizures. Like oxycarbamazepine, this medication also acts as an an anticonvulsant medication.
Phenytoin's less serious side effects include vomiting, nausea, headache, confusion, slowed speech, a lack of coordination and trouble sleeping. This medication's additional side effects include constipation, unwanted hair growth, slurred speech and uncontrollable eye movements. Call a doctor if phenytoin's less serious side effects persist for more than six days.
Phenytoin's serious side effects include fever, swollen glands, joint pain, a rash, fatigue and yellowing of the eyes or skin. It can also lead to a fever, blisters and pain in the upper part of the stomach. Notify a doctor immediately if phenytoin causes these effects.
Taking imipramine, reserpine, ranitidine, doxycyline or methylphenidate may require a decrease in phenytoin's dose.
Phenytoin is available as a capsule, chewable tablet or liquid. The capsule is taken one to four times daily while the liquid or tablet is taken two to three times daily.
Baclofen
Baclofen, commonly sold as Lioresal, is a another medication that treats trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. Drugs.com says that baclofen also treats muscle stiffness, muscle spasms and muscle pain.
Baclofen's less serious side effects include a headache, trouble sleeping, nausea, increased urination, constipation and fatigue. Notify a doctor if baclofen's less serious effects last for more than six days.
Baclofen's serious side effects include confusion, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat and seizures. Inform a doctor immediately when baclofen leads to these effects.
Suffering from a stroke, blood clots and a seizure or kidney disorder may require an adjustment in baclofen's dose.
Baclofen is a tablet taken daily or as indicated.
