What other medications do you recommend for Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

[LisaMichelleFine]

I was just diagnosed with Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia yesterday.  I turn 40 on November 15th.  The pain is unbelievable when it comes on, and unfortunately I have a very difficult time taking pain medications as they make me very ill & drowsy beyond belief.  I have had 2 MRI's, a Fine Cut CT Scan, met with an Otolaryngologist and a Neurologist.  We now know that I have this rare neuralgia condition.  I have been prescribed Nortriptyline which I am to take daily.  I start with one pill every night for 5 days, then go to 2 pills a night for 5 days...all the way up to taking 5 pills at night.  I am concerned about the negative side effects with any medication as there is dizziness, and they make you really tired among many other things.  What other medications do you recommend for this condition?

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
The most effective drugs  for the treatment of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia are antiseizure medications, such as carbamazepine, gabapentin, and phenytoin. Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, may help certain people but not always.
In severe cases, when pain is difficult to treat with medications, surgery to relieve the glossopharyngeal nerve may be needed. This surgery is generally considered effective. If a cause of the neuralgia is found, managemement should be aimed at treating the underlying problem. Please discuss the worsening symptoms and treatment with the neurologist. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!

[hockeymom65]

I just had surgery for glossopharyngeal neuralgia on oct,27 2009. Like you I did not tolorate the medication very well. I'm 44 years old and very active I hated the medication but could no longer stand the electric like shock pains in my ear and throat.
I had surgery in NYC at Columbia Presbyterian. Ronald Brisman MD. the surgery took 8hours and he also fixed my trigeminal nerve.
  It's been just over 2 weeks and I have no shooting pains at all! I do have a few things that are still a little bothersome, Like I have fluid in my ear that doesn't seem to clear up so I have some hearing issues because of it but it should clear within the month,my scalp is really sore in some spots that I can't even touch I am not sure why it is not close to the insion, but overall I feel better everyday and I think it was a good choice for me.