Of the four studies identified, one had low and three an unclear risk of bias. There is insufficient evidence from randomized controlled trials to show significant benefit from non-antiepileptic drugs in trigeminal neuralgia. More research is needed.
Tizanidine in the management of trigeminal neuralgia.
In a double-blind study the efficacy and tolerability of tizanidine was compared with those of carbamazepine in the management of trigeminal neuralgia. Six patients were allocated to treatment with tizanidine and six to carbamazepine. After individual titration the maximum daily doses were 18 mg and 900 mg, respectively. Among the efficacy factors used, the visual analog scale (VAS) and the overall efficacy as assessed by patients and investigator turned out to be the most appropriate. The results indicate that tizanidine was well tolerated, but the effects, if any, were inferior to those of carbamazepine.