7 Effective Home Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic nerve pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, the nerve responsible for facial sensation. It can cause severe, debilitating pain in the face, jaw, teeth, and gums. Thankfully, there are a variety of trigeminal neuralgia treatments at home that can help manage the pain associated with this condition. We’ll be discussing seven of the most effective home treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. We’ll explore how to use natural remedies, lifestyle changes, and other treatments to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with trigeminal neuralgia.

1) Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are a type of medication that can be used to treat trigeminal neuralgia. These medications work by decreasing nerve activity and reducing pain signals from being sent to the brain. Some common anticonvulsants used for trigeminal neuralgia include carbamazepine, gabapentin, pregabalin, phenytoin, and oxcarbazepine.

Carbamazepine is one of the most common anticonvulsants used for treating trigeminal neuralgia. It helps to reduce pain signals and can also be used to control muscle spasms. It may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and dizziness.

Gabapentin is another anticonvulsant that has been shown to be effective in treating trigeminal neuralgia. It works by reducing pain signals in the brain and can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.

Pregabalin is a newer anticonvulsant that has been found to be effective in treating trigeminal neuralgia. It works by reducing pain signals in the brain and can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with the condition. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.

Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant that works by reducing pain signals in the brain and can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.

Oxcarbazepine is an anticonvulsant that has been found to be effective in treating trigeminal neuralgia. It works by reducing pain signals in the brain and can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with the condition. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.

2) Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be an effective form of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. These medications are commonly prescribed to help reduce the intensity and frequency of pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for trigeminal neuralgia include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline, can be used to reduce the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. These medications work by blocking nerve signals that cause the facial pain. They also act on chemicals in the brain to help boost mood and reduce stress, which can help manage overall pain levels.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline, may also be effective in reducing the intensity of trigeminal neuralgia pain. These medications are usually prescribed for depression and anxiety, but they can also be used to treat certain types of chronic pain, including trigeminal neuralgia.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, may also be used to help reduce trigeminal neuralgia pain. SNRIs work by preventing nerve cells from reabsorbing serotonin and norepinephrine, two important neurotransmitters that regulate pain sensation in the body.
It’s important to speak with your doctor before taking any type of antidepressant as they may cause side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, headache, and weight gain. Additionally, it’s important to remember that antidepressants may take several weeks before they start to take effect.

3) Carbamazepine

Carbamazepine is a drug that is commonly used to treat trigeminal neuralgia. It is a type of anticonvulsant, meaning it is used to control seizure activity. Carbamazepine works by reducing the nerve impulses that cause the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. It may also reduce inflammation and sensitivity to pain.

It is important to note that Carbamazepine may take several weeks to take effect. It is also common for patients to experience side effects when taking this medication. These side effects can include nausea, dizziness, headache, sleepiness, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or trying a different medication.

In addition, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking Carbamazepine if you have certain health conditions such as kidney or liver disease. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as this medication may not be safe in those cases.

Overall, Carbamazepine can be an effective treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia. However, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor before starting a course of treatment.

4) Gabapentin

Gabapentin is a drug that is often prescribed for the treatments of trigeminal neuralgia. It is an anticonvulsant that works to reduce the nerve pain associated with the disorder. It works by decreasing the signals from damaged nerves in the face and head. This helps reduce the severity of the symptoms.

The dose of gabapentin used to treat trigeminal neuralgia will depend on the severity of the symptoms and how well it works for the individual. Generally, people are prescribed a starting dose of 300mg per day and then the dose can be increased up to a maximum of 1800mg per day. It is important to note that it can take several weeks or even months to reach the therapeutic dose.

Side effects of gabapentin include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, confusion, nausea, and diarrhea. It is important to speak with your doctor before taking any medication and discuss any potential side effects.

Gabapentin is generally considered to be a safe and effective treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. It can provide relief from the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia without having to resort to more invasive treatments such as surgery. However, it is important to remember that this drug does not cure trigeminal neuralgia and it may not work for everyone.

5) Baclofen

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can be used to treat trigeminal neuralgia. It is believed to work by blocking pain signals from the trigeminal nerve and by inhibiting the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling. Baclofen can be taken orally, injected directly into the affected area, or given intravenously.

Baclofen is a safe and effective way to reduce the severity of trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. Side effects are generally mild, and can include drowsiness, confusion, nausea, and dizziness. Some people may also experience headaches and muscle weakness. If you experience any side effects from taking baclofen, contact your doctor immediately.

When taken in combination with other medications, baclofen can be very effective in reducing trigeminal neuralgia pain. Your doctor may recommend this as part of an overall treatment plan for trigeminal neuralgia. However, it is important to discuss all of your options with your doctor before beginning any treatment plan.

Related Articles: Effectiveness of Medications in Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia

6) Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants are a class of medications used to treat depression, but they may also be effective in reducing the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. The most common tricyclic antidepressant used to treat trigeminal neuralgia is amitriptyline. This medication works by blocking nerve signals from reaching the brain, thus reducing pain. Other tricyclic antidepressants that may be used include nortriptyline, doxepin, and imipramine.

These medications can have side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, and weight gain. They may also increase the risk of falls, confusion, and even suicidal thoughts in some people. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking a tricyclic antidepressant before beginning treatment.

7) Surgery

Surgery is an option for treating trigeminal neuralgia. It involves cutting the nerve that carries pain signals to the brain and can be done in two ways: microvascular decompression and percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy.

Microvascular decompression involves placing a cushion between the trigeminal nerve and a nearby artery or vein, which reduces pressure on the nerve. This procedure is usually done under general anesthesia and can take up to five hours to complete.

Percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves heating and destroying the trigeminal nerve with radiofrequency energy. It is done under local anesthesia and can take up to one hour to complete.

The risks associated with both types of surgery are minimal. However, there is a chance of facial numbness or weakness, which can last for several months or years after the procedure. Additionally, these procedures are not always effective and may need to be repeated in some cases.

If you are considering surgery as a treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia, speak with your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits associated with each type of surgery.