Has Trigeminal Neuralgia And Carbamazepine Causes Dizziness. Suggest?

Posted on Thu, 26 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 Answered on

Sat, 19 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband has Trigeminal Neuralgia & Carbamazepine makes him dizzy - he also has to take
more of it than Dr. said & still gets hits. Can you suggest another med? Or if you're in or near
WPB, he could come see you.

Answered by Dr. Praveen K Nath (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dizziness is common with carbamazepine

Detailed Answer:
Respected ma’am
I have gone through your husband’s medical history in detail.
Dizziness after taking carbamazepine is a normal phenomenon.
I would suggest
1. Continue taking carbamazepine may be at slightly lower dose & increase the frequency of dose.

2. Lots of other alternative medications like GABAPENTIN/ CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE / AMITRYPTYLLINE/ OXCARBAMAZEPINE / ESLICARBAMAZEPINE are available. Your husband can try these as well.

3. Antidepressants & anxiolytic medications also help.

4. Local injections are also given for some cases who do not respond to medications.

My best wishes for a speedy recovery of your husband.

thanks

dr XXXXXXX k XXXXXXX
director
deptt of neurosurgery

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Praveen K Nath (19 hours later)

Husband was told recently that he could get an epidural in face. Is this not only for back?

Answered by Dr. Praveen K Nath (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
trigeminal nerve injection given locally

Detailed Answer:
Respected madam,

In my view, the epidural injection you are talking about is a trigeminal nerve injection given locally, in which absolute alcohol is used for temporary relief, which lasts about 3-6 months.

thanx
dr praeen k XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E