Well here it goes. I started on tegretol almost two weeks ago and had to get the dosage just right. I was taking 200 mg once a day in the morning and around 5 or 6 o clock in the afternoon I found myself dying of pain. I then decided to do something sifferent. I took 100 mg 3x a day breakfast lunch and diner and let me tell you the relief was fantastic. I had my life back. It’s been two weeks since I started doing that medication dosage and I am starting to feel some breakthrough pain. Is this the tegretol and my body becoming used to one another? Do I need to up my dosage? Or is this possibly due to stress because I have a big interview coming up in a few days. Honestly I am worried. If I’m not having the scalp burn, I am constantly scared of when it might return. Any guidance or answers as to how tegretol and the body work together would be very helpful. I didn’t think I would build up a tolerance within two weeks and the pain would return. Maybe this isn’t even TN at all maybe it’s all in my head since my pain is never in my face only in the top of my head. Just very discouraged from the ups and downs of being pain free now scared it’s coming back.
Hi hillsdale,
300mg is on the low end dosage wise for Tegretol, but just like you figured out that 3x a day was better for you, you may find increased relief with slow release Tegretol, or upping the dose a little , talk to your doctor about these two options. Many people are able to find long lasting relief on 400mg-600mg. But we’re all different. When I was first diagnosed, it was trial & error for about 8 weeks or so. It definitely takes time and patience, which is hard for me and most of us…
Added stress can definitely exacerbate the pain.
Neurology is vast, and difficult to pinpoint , there are so many facets to neurological pain. Unfortunately it takes time to figure it all out.
My best advice would be to talk to your doctor about the two things I mentioned above, and try really hard to find ways to de-stress…Meditation, breathing exercises, a hot bath, a good movie, good book, distraction helps, whatever your poison…
I wish you a lot of luck for your upcoming interview, I’m sure your confidence will shine through.
Hope the next few days you are able to de-stress and feel better.
The power of our minds/thoughts are stronger than we know…so on that note, positive vibes being sent your way, (( hugs )) Mimi