I was wondering…for those taking Trilepal, how many milligrams are you currently taking? I’ve just now increased to 600 mg per day and I’m hoping this will make the pain better. If this medication doesn’t help, does that mean I don’t have TN? It has helped a little, just not as much as I had hoped it would. I would describe my pain as more in the ATN category…on the right side but starting some of the ice pick jabs in the left ear now. Ugh.
I take 1800mg a day with no side effects. I honestly didn’t get relief until I tapered up to this dose.600mg a day is a super low dose!!
Lisa, do you ever get paresthesias from the Trileptal, like burning in hands or numbness of fingertips? I’m not having any major side effects (except sleepiness), but I do get these strange sensations and I’m not sure if it’s from the medication. Sounds like I have a ways to go as far as dosing. Thanks for responding.
No I don’t have any different sensations in my hands or fingertips at all…and honestly it doesn’t make me sleepy either…I take it right before going into work and I do fine. Sometimes I have a little bit of trouble concentrating but, I don’t know if that is the trileptal…I know everybody has different side effects though. I hope trileptal works for u, it has helped me so much.
I take 600mg per day. I started at 300mg per day in two doses. I was in the middle of a really bad flare when I started this. The 300mg only helped a little. Once I doubled it to 600mg per day I started to get significant relief. I have been on it for almost two months and my pain is now almost completely controlled. I also have no side effects from the medication. I will tell you that it took a good two weeks to start seeing significant and consistent relief. Don't give up. Also, I know it pretty soon if I forget to take a dose. My pain immediately starts to return. Good luck!
Monnie, I take 1200 mg per day and I have noticed the burning in the hand thing and also in my right toes but only at the very beginning when I started taking it. I have been on it for 3 months and I do pretty well with it. :)
Hey!
I take 600 mg - 300mg twice a day. I also take Tegretol 100mg as I need them (my neuro said to take them if /when I have those flare ups...) I noticed when I went from 400mg Teg to the 600mg Trilep that I had SO MUCH more relief. Since this regime was started in Jan, I usually take up to an extra 300 - 400mg Teg a day to keep the pain to a minimum and allow me to have a somewhat normal life. The side effects are indeed better when I don't have to take the Teg during the day; but the trade off of pain vs side effects are no comparison! The concentration / memory problems simply get on my ever lovin' nerves!! ;)
I hope you are able to find that 'happy medium' real soon!
Cris