Voltaren (diclofenac) helps to relieve pain and inflammation by blocking the effects of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. This prevents prostaglandin synthesis (prostaglandins elevate body temperature and make nerve endings more sensitive to pain transmission).
You can use Voltaren on minor injuries, aches and pains as well joint pain. It is great for knee pain relief, shoulder pain relief, wrist pain relief, back pain, other muscle pain relief and joint pain relief, as well.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequently prescribed medications worldwide. Diclofenac sodium (DS), one of these NSAIDs, has a high specificity for arachidonic acid-degrading cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 enzymes. This drug can be used to relieve neuropathic pain.
Like other NSAIDs, Voltaren (diclofenac) works by reducing inflammation in the body. When taken in oral form, it's used to treat pain related to such forms of arthritis as osteoarthrtis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The oral version of this drug is still available only by prescription.
Apply the medicine very carefully to clean, dry skin, and avoid getting any in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not apply this medicine to areas with broken skin or open wounds, infection, or severely peeling skin. Apply enough medicine each time to cover the entire affected area.
When you use topical medication, apply the cream/gel or lidocaine patch to your rear pelvis—where your sciatic nerve roots are located. Treating this area, rather than your thigh or calf where the pain may be more, will help control and numb the pain at its origin and also calm the nearby nerves.
Older adults may be at greater risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, and stroke while using this drug.
Voltaren Rapid tablets contain diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory that reduces pain and helps get you back on your feet again. In fact, they have been clinically proven for pain relief.
Voltaren has an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 from a total of 9 reviews for the treatment of Sciatica. 56% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 0% reported a negative experience.
The differences between diclofenac and ibuprofen primarily have to do with the strength of the dosage. Diclofenac is the more potent of the two, so a smaller amount is needed compared to ibuprofen to produce similar results. Diclofenac is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory drugs.
These painkillers are a common add-on to other drugs for treating breakthrough pain from neuropathy. Common options include Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
These include medicines, like prescription pain relievers or anticonvulsants and antidepressants, as well as electrical stimulation and other techniques. So if you have nerve pain, whether it's caused by cancer, HIV, shingles, or another condition, take hope.
Lidocaine is an anesthetic and works by numbing the painful area. Voltaren, on the other hand, relieves pain by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.
6. Response and effectiveness. Time to peak effect varies from 30 minutes to 3-5 hours depending on the formulation of diclofenac taken.
Salonpas Lidocaine Plus Pain Relieving Cream contains the maximum strength of over-the-counter (OTC) lidocaine (4%), as well as benzyl alcohol, which, according to the company, numbs nerves quickly. Additionally, this non-greasy formula offers rapid relief from musculoskeletal and/or nerve pain.
Use ice packs for the first 72 hours of your sciatica pain, especially if the pain is the consequence of an injury. Ice reduces swelling, which can reduce sciatic nerve compression. Never place an ice pack directly on your skin – wrap the pack in a towel and only apply a cold pack for 15-20 minutes at a time.
This includes: aspirin (also called ASA or acetylsalicylic acid) • other salicylates • other forms of Voltaren • any other NSAID medicine If you take these medicines together with Voltaren, they may cause unwanted effects. If you need to take something for headache or fever, it is usually okay to take paracetamol.
Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available.10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex. It is also available as a topical gel, Voltaren, which is available over the counter.
Taking diclofenac with other painkillers
It's safe to take diclofenac with paracetamol or codeine. Do not take diclofenac with similar painkillers, like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, without talking to a doctor.
Additionally, nerve pain medications (gabapentin and pregabalin) can be used in older persons, with caution to dose and kidney function. Newer antidepressants (duloxetine) more so than older ones (nortriptyline) can help with spine-related pain, with attention to possible sedation and dizziness.
Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel is FDA approved to be used daily for 21 days in a row while Salonpas Pain Relief Patch is approved for 3 days of use in a row before consulting a doctor.
Downsides
If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Water retention, headache, constipation, and nausea. Stomach-related side effects such as indigestion, belching, heartburn, and bleeding.