Symptomatic management of trigeminal neuralgia in adults

IV: intravenous; SUBQ: subcutaneous; TN: trigeminal neuralgia; XR: extended release.

* Both medications are generally well-tolerated, but the risk of sedation and dizziness may be higher with carbamazepine, and the risk of hyponatremia may be higher with oxcarbazepine.

¶ For initial dose and titration schedules, refer to UpToDate content on trigeminal neuralgia.

Δ Selection of interventional procedure for refractory TN is determined by underlying cause, patient preference, and local expertise with available techniques. Refer to UpToDate topic for additional information.

◊ Rescue therapy is used to provide adjunctive pain relief for patients during the initial titration of preventive therapy or those with attacks of severe breakthrough pain. Single-dose acute rescue therapy is typically given intravenously in a health care setting or by intranasal formulation for rapid relief. Additional oral rescue therapy may be used for up to one week until preventive therapies have taken effect or before switching to or adding further therapies.