After 5-6 months of daily TN pain, my wife advised me last week that she was only taking 200mg a day of Carbamazapine, instead of 600-800 and had no symptoms at all. No sharp pain from hot or cold, no ear pain, no debilitating can't get out of bed pain. I am relieved for her but puzzled as to "remission"? After the first attack 02/11 she had a short stint with no pain and no meds, then BAM, back like an old ex! Do any others here have similar stories? If so what's the history of your TN in Cliff notes please.
Random remissions are fairly common in TN, sometimes lasting several months at a time. Try a search in our search box at top right, on the term "remission" without the quotes...
Hello.
My TN started after I had dental work. I was only takiing oxcarbazepine. I started with low doses like your wife but eventually increased the dosage to 1800 mg 3x a day. This still did not work. It did not work until it was paired with Lyrica. I can now take about 1800 mg a day of Oxcarbazepone and 50mg of L yrica 3x a day. My pain uusually last for 2-3 months then I a m in remission for 9-10 months. I dont take the meds when I 'm in remission.
I too went into remission after taking a very low dose of Tegretol for a few weeks and I often wonder if this would have happened anyways. Months later and the pain is now back. Remission is common.
Thank all of you for the responses. She only taking the Carba becasue it is a drug you can't just quit, you need to taper off of it. I am hoping that this lasts for her. Funny part is we an apt with the TN Guru in Texas and had to cancel because of no symptoms. Kinda like driving your car to the mechanic and nothing appears wrong when they drive it.