Using Nurtec to Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia Facial Pain

Exploring Nurtec as a Treatment Option for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. It causes extreme, sharp facial pain, often described as stabbing or electric shock-like. For those suffering from debilitating trigeminal neuralgia pain, finding an effective treatment provides much-needed relief.

Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a newly approved medication formulated as a quick-dissolving tablet for the treatment of migraine headaches. Because the mechanism of Nurtec focuses on targeting key pathways involved in pain signaling, there has been growing interest in exploring its potential benefit in other pain conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.

Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) involves irritated or damaged trigeminal nerves erroneously sending pain signals to the brain. This results in sudden, repetitive stabbing pains that may feel like electric shocks. TN sometimes occurs for no explainable reason, or can be caused by pressure on the nerve from blood vessels or tumors.

TN follows pain paroxysms, where intense attacks are followed by periods of remission before another flare-up. During cluster outbreaks, even minor stimuli like chewing, tooth-brushing, or temperature changes can trigger searing facial pain.

Available Medications for Soothing Trigeminal Nerve Pain

There are several medication options used for reducing trigeminal neuralgia nerve pain frequency and intensity:

• Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine) block nerve firing signals.
• Muscle relaxants (baclofen) alleviate spasms pressing on nerves.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline) change pain neurotransmitter activity.

These daily oral medications help prevent attacks in some patients. Others gain relief getting injections of numbing agents, sedatives, or neurotoxins directly into trigeminal nerves.

How Nurtec May Aid Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment

Nurtec offers a different mechanism of action from traditional trigeminal neuralgia drugs. Instead of broadly dialing down nerve transmissions, it specifically binds to receptors involved in activating inflammatory pathways tied to pain perception.

Research shows interrupting this key step in pain signaling reduces the release of CGRP - a neurotransmitter compound triggering swollen nerves, blood vessel changes, and heightened sensory sensitivity during migraine episodes.

Due to the similar irritation of trigeminal nerves and blood vessels in TN contributing to pain attacks, experts hypothesize CGRP may also play a role. Stopping release of inflammatory CGRP could ease TN flare-up intensity like with migraine.

Evidence for Nurtec's Effectiveness in Trigeminal Neuralgia

Currently, no large published studies have formally investigated using Nurtec for trigeminal neuralgia treatment. However, there are promising initial reports of positive patient experiences in online forums and pain clinics:

• Rapid 30-60 minute onset helps when attacks strike suddenly
• 75mg dose gives sustained pain relief for at least 24 hours
• Fewer repeat pain administrations needed versus other rescue medications
• Well tolerated compared to side effects of anticonvulsant drugs

These real-world findings suggest Nurtec merits closer research. For now, it is being used off-label despite lack of FDA approval for trigeminal neuralgia specifically.

Considerations for Trying Nurtec for Facial Pain Control

As an oral dissolving tablet taken at the earliest facial pain symptoms, Nurtec offers easy acute usage for trigeminal neuralgia attacks. This gives upside as a rescue therapy complementing daily preventative drugs that may not completely stop pain flare-ups.

However, some concerns remain around long-term impact and costs when paid fully out-of-pocket. Using Nurtec for ongoing TN also lacks randomized controlled trial safety data so far. Weighing pros and cons with your neurologist is advised.

Still, Nurtec presents a promising emerging option that may greatly minimize trigeminal nerve pain events. Those struggling to control sudden attack Make discussing a short-term trial run sensible to gauge if rapid, lasting facial pain relief is achievable.

Lifestyle Adjustments To Further Calm Trigeminal Nerve Sensitivity

Although medications can effectively prevent many severe trigeminal neuralgia pain episodes, avoiding potential lifestyle triggers may also aid managing flare-up frequency alongside drug options like Nurtec.

Because trigeminal nerves convey sensory signals about touch, pressure, heat, and cold from facial skin, mouth, and mucus membranes to the brain, protecting nerve endings from irritation is key.

Watch Out for Dietary Triggers

Certain foods and drinks may activate trigeminal nerves. Common problem items include:

• Spicy, salty, sour, or citrus-heavy foods
• Very hot or very cold foods/drinks
• Crunchy, chewy, or sticky textures needing excessive chewing
• Carbonated beverages overstimulating mouth nerves

Avoiding dietary triggers provides immense relief for many patients during trigeminal neuralgia pain paroxysms when nerves become hypersensitive.

Gentle Oral Care Habits

Brushing teeth or flossing often exacerbates pain during TN attacks due to direct nerve stimulation. Practicing extra gentle daily oral hygiene helps circumvent this issue:

• Use an extra-soft toothbrush and brush lightly
• Try non-mint toothpastes since menthol triggers some
• Floss extremely carefully or pause briefly if very symptomatic
• Rinse mouth gently without swishing liquid vigorously

Establishing a soothing oral care routine prevents needlessly aggravating irritated trigeminal nerves.

Protect Facial Areas from Stimulation

Shielding your face from too much touch, pressure, or temperature change during trigeminal neuralgia flares can help minimize triggering pain episodes.

• Wear scarves to conserve facial warmth in winter
• Don loose-fitting masks protecting skin sensitivity
• Use soft fabric bedding that avoids irritating nerves
• Carry non-icy cold packs or heat wraps if needing spot pain relief

Cautiously buffering trigeminal nerve endings from overstimulation prevents amplifying pain signals.

The Future for Nurtec in Trigeminal Neuralgia Care

Currently, using Nurtec as an off-label rescue medication shows promising real-world outcomes for quickly resolving acute facial pain from trigeminal neuralgia attacks. More research on impacts long-term remain vital.

Future studies better evaluating effectiveness against TN episodes instead of just migraine would support formal FDA approval. This would grant healthcare insurance coverage for those benefiting from Nurtec but struggling with costs out-of-pocket.

It also remains unclear whether consistently preventing CGRP release with Nurtec could help "quiet down" nervest over longer periods, reducing general pain sensitivity. This could give sustained protection from future trigeminal nerve pain flare-ups.

For now, Nurtec offers a fast-acting option alongside traditional daily medications that may imperfectly control trigeminal neuralgia. Used prudently as-needed, it can minimize severe facial pain signals when unpredictable attacks occur.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.