@debds - I wanted to let you know I moved your post here so that you could talk with others going through similar circumstances:

- Trigeminal neuralgia: What helps stop the pain? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/trigeminal-neuralgia-5/

You may be interested in this Mayo Clinic information on trigeminal neuralgia:

- Trigeminal neuralgia https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigeminal-neuralgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353344

What is making you hesitant to take the carbamazepine at this point, debds?