Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Field Stimulation for Refractory Facial Pain
Published on: May 10, 2017
Pharmacological treatment of trigeminal neuralgia
Giulia Di Stefano1, Andrea Truini1
1a Department of Neurology and Psychiatry , University Sapienza , Roma , Italy.
Introduction:
Unique among the different neuropathic pain conditions, trigeminal neuralgia frequently has an excellent response to some selected drugs, which, on the other hand, often entail disabling side effects. Physicians should be therefore acquainted with the management of these drugs and the few alternative options. Areas covered: This article, based on a systematic literature review, describes the pharmacological options, and indicates the future perspectives for treating trigeminal neuralgia. The article therefore provides current, evidence-based knowledge about the pharmacological treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, and suggests a practical approach to the various drugs, including starting dose, titration and side effects. Expert commentary: Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine are the reference standard drugs for treating patients with trigeminal neuralgia. They are effective in most patients. The undesired effects however cause withdrawal from treatment or a dosage reduction to an insufficient level in many patients. Sodium channel blockers selective for the sodium channel 1.7 (Nav1.7) receptor, currently under development, might be an alternative, better-tolerated pharmacological option in the next future.
Related Concept Videos
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Angina IV: Management
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
Analgesia and Pain Management

