... and I do not like to take any meds at all.Hoping I can find a natural cure. But until then I need to know which one of these is the least harmful. Thank you
Which drug Baclofen or Tramadol is safer to take? I have just been told I have Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Question posted by camhan3 on 28 April 2012
Last updated on 28 April 2012 by HeadStarter
5 Answers
HeadStarter
29 April 2012
I did some research for you, too and have copied here for you. Although not all natural... it may help you decide on the options that are best for you. Some are treatment oriented and not necessarily prescription meds. So, here we go and my apologies if you know this already... the treatment options sound at least, hopeful and encouraging; especially the radiosurgery:
"Medical Management
The goal of pharmacologic therapy is to reduce pain. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is regarded as the most effective medical treatment. Additional agents that may benefit selected patients include phenytoin (Dilantin), baclofen, gabapentin (Neurontin), Trileptol and Klonazepin.
Surgical Management
Prior to considering surgery, all trigeminal neuralgia patients should have a MRI, with close attention being paid to the posterior fossa. Imaging is performed to rule out other causes of compression of the trigeminal nerve such as mass lesions, large ectatic vessels, or other vascular malformations.
The surgical options for trigeminal neuralgia include peripheral nerve blocks or ablation, gasserian ganglion and retrogasserian ablative (needle) procedures, craniotomy followed by microvascular decompression (MVD), and stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife®).
Percutaneous transovale needle techniques include radiofrequency trigeminal electrocoagulation, glycerol rhizotomy, and balloon microcompression. Microvascular decompression (MVD) is often preferred for younger patients with typical trigeminal neuralgia. High initial success rates (>90%) have led to the widespread use of this procedure. This procedure provides treatment of the cause of trigeminal neuralgia in many patients. Percutaneous techniques are advocated for elderly patients, patients with multiple sclerosis, patients with recurrent pain after MVD, and patients with impaired hearing on the other side, however some authors recommend needle techniques as first surgical treatment for many patients. It is generally agreed that MVD provides the longest duration of pain relief while preserving facial sensation. In experienced hands, MVD can be performed with low morbidity and mortality. Most authors offer MVD to young patients with trigeminal neuralgia.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Radiosurgery
Radiosurgery is performed by delivering a high dose of ionizing radiation in a single treatment session using multiple beams precisely focused at the target inside the brain. Several reports have documented the efficacy of Gamma Knife®‚ stereotactic radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia . Because radiosurgery is the least invasive procedure for trigeminal neuralgia, it is a good treatment option for patients with co-morbidities, high-risk medical illness, or pain refractory to prior surgical procedures."
Lisa01
28 April 2012
Dear Camhan,
I don't want to step on Carly K's toes, but I wanted you to know that tramadol is not a narcotic. Which is one reason that drs are so quick to prescribe it. It is, however, a highly addictive synthetic opiate. It isn't even listed as a controlled substance in most states as of yet. Even though its not technically a narcotic, you should treat it as one and follow your dosage instructions carefully. Taking more than the prescribed dose can lead to some very uncomfortable withdrawals. This is also a drug that shouldn't be stopped abruptly if you've taken it for any length of time as that can cause seizures. Your dr can have you taper off them safely. Don't mean to make it sound scary, it can be a highly effective pain reliever for some people when used and monitored correctly. Just due to it's non- narcotic listing, some drs are unaware of it's highly addictive properties. I wish you the best in your search for pain relief options and please keep us posted!
Lisa
Inactive
28 April 2012
Hi camhan, I wasn't familiar with your condition either, & typed it into the search box above in blue. It gave me enough info about it, & also you mentioned wanting to take something natural. Well at the bottom of the first page of answers in the search box was the name of a company that uses all natural products. You might want to look it up like I did & see what this is about. Just be careful before you buy anything online like that because sometimes it can be a comeon & you get stuck with something that doesn't work & paying for it forever. Be very careful doing this, but I did see a natural remedy for this condition.
The meds your doctor is giving you are one, the baclofen is a muscle relaxoer, & I don't see how that is going to relax an upset nerve, and the other tramadol is an addictive pain reliever that most doctors don't know is addictive because it's a synthetic opiate so they can just write a script or call it in very easily. It's the way it is classed. I will give you the links to read on both of these two meds so you can make an informed decision before trying either or both of them. I hope this helps in your decision. It's always scary when a doc prescribes something, & you don't know what it is you are taking. I hope this helps you make a wise choice... Mary6320009
https://www.drugs.com/baclofen.html
https://www.drugs.com/tramadol.html
Inactive
28 April 2012
I'm not familiar with your disease, but after reading about it, it sounds extremely painful. Did you ask the doctor who diagnosed you, did he/she prescribe these drugs? Tramadol is a narcotic pain reliever and can be habit forming, but effective for severe pain. Baclofen is a muscle relaxer, the effect of relief and side effects I experienced on it was minimal, kinda messed with my stomach. Robaxin, also a muscle relaxer, works better for me, and with no stomach problems, but I only take PRN. Your question would be better posed to your doctor. Fear is common, when we first learn a "diagnosis" and I'm sure you sought medical advise because of pain. We all react differently to medicines, and you need to research and educate yourself about your diagnosis and discuss openly with your doctor any and all questions and concerns. I don't know if this helps any, but I certainly hope you find what you need. Best wishes to you, Carly
balbanese
28 April 2012
Safer how? Without an answer from your Dr I'd say neither one. Hope this helps.
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trigeminal neuralgia, neuralgia, baclofen, tramadol
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