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Capsaicin topical User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Brand names: Qutenza, Zostrix, Pain Doctor, Salonpas Pain Patch with Capsaicin, Capzasin, Zostrix Neuropathy, Salonpas-Hot, Salonpas Gel-Patch, Sloan's Liniment, GNP Capsaicin, Capzasin Back and Body, Capzasin-HP, Axsain, Aspercreme Warming Pain Relief Patch, Drs Cream, Theragen HP, Capsagel Extra Strength, Capsagel Maximum Strength, Zostrix-HP, Dolorac, Capzasin-HP Arthritis Formula, Capsin, Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin, Analgesic Balm with Capsaicin, Capsicum Oleoresin, Zostrix Sports, Castiva Warming, No Pain-HP, Capzasin-P Pain-X R-Gel Zostrix Foot Pain Zostrix Diabetic Foot Pain …show all brand names

Capsaicin topical has an average rating of 5.0 out of 10 from a total of 149 reviews on Drugs.com. 42% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 47% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Capsaicin topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Agn...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 5, 2021

For Pain "It did wonders for my shingles pain and now using it for plantar fasciitis. Yes, it did burn some, especially initially when my body would warm up (the intensity wears off, as the manufacturer says, with time). But it did completely redirect my attention from pain to warmth, which I found mostly pleasant. Also, it is great for plantar fasciitis (though not a cure)."

10 / 10
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  • Jil...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 16, 2021

For Pain "A great number of the users who reported persistent burning attempted to wash off the capsaicin cream with water. Since capsaicin is the 'hot' in hot chiles, this is definitely the wrong direction, as water will only spread the burn. Use dairy products (whole, if possible) or a neutral vegetable oil (capsaicin is soluble in oil)."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 5, 2021

For Postherpetic Neuralgia "I overdid the first time I used it and, like others, experienced a very unpleasant burning feeling that I had to rub off in the shower with extra lubricant cream. Next time I used it, I was more cautious, applying small amounts, and it did relieve the pain, and the burning sensation was not unpleasant at all. However, its effect is not constant, sometimes it relieves pain, sometimes it doesn't. I use it every now and then."

5 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Vic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 4, 2021

For Postherpetic Neuralgia "I am suffering from PHN. On Gabapentin, which has helped a little. Have terrible itching and burning on the side of my nose, under my eye, as well as my forehead and scalp. GP recommended Capsaicin. Applied it for the first time today, it did burn a bit, then the itching subsided. Works better than a lot of drugs I have tried, such as Tramadol, antihistamines, and codeine. Does not take the pain away completely but provides good relief from that horrible itching."

8 / 10
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  • Kwi...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 26, 2021

For Pain "A very effective treatment for osteoarthritis, which I have in my fingers and thumbs. You have to ignore the burning that comes with it, as it's only temporary. It also might take a few days to take effect."

10 / 10
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  • mr ...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 14, 2020

For Pain "Read the instructions. Remember to start with a small amount. Do not rub it hard into the area. A little goes a long way. Increase if/when necessary. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when applying. Wrap with gauze for a couple of hours to learn not to touch it."

8 / 10
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  • Ash...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 7, 2020

For Peripheral Neuropathy "If you have peripheral neuropathy or a small nerve fiber neuropathy, DO NOT USE capsaicin cream! Or use with caution! Pain was a 10 out of 10, and it only got worse over the hours. Pro tip: to neutralize, apply vinegar and then sour cream and let sit if you can. Then rinse off and apply again until you can manage with the burning. The only reason it somewhat worked is because I was in so much pain I didn’t feel my nerve or joint pain at the moment."

1 / 10
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4 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 31, 2017

For Pain "I used Zacin cream as prescribed by the doctor for low back pain after a fall. The injury gradually improved, and the pain was well lessened by Zacin. Co-codamol was also tried with good effect, but I discontinued it because its drowsiness was intolerable."

8 / 10
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  • nmb...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 20, 2024

"Other than a heating pad, capsaicin is the best. If I use the cream, I use gloves, because even if you wash your hands, if you say rub your face, eyes, etc., the capsaicin will transfer. I mainly use capsaicin pain patches to avoid transfer. Yes, capsaicin is very hot and can cause itching, but it is the only over-the-counter med that relieves the pain even deep into your bones. I will suffer with the burning and itching over my severe pain any day."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 27, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "The first day I applied it once - to my hips and knees. After 20 minutes, it started to work, but only in my knees. The warm burning pain was lovely and masked the knee pain, which was great. If you feel it starting to feel less effective, I found it works activated by heat, as I had my fan heater on, and it started to burn nicely again. The day after, I applied it once again around midday. Nothing happened. I felt no burn, no relief. Until I went to the steam room and sauna. DO NOT DO THIS, as I found out it’s the most painful experience I’ve had due to a cream. After 10 minutes, my knees and hips were on fire!! It felt like my skin was going to burst into blisters and bubble over. I quickly jumped in the cold showers, but it was no relief. Obviously, I left the sauna, but I was left with intense pain and red inflamed skin. I was quite worried, but all is ok the next day."

9 / 10
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  • Jaq...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 19, 2020

Capsaicin topical for Pain "I damaged my knee in an accident 3 weeks ago. Now I can't walk. This cream has made no difference to the high level of pain. But then the product sheet only says that it MAY work in 4-6 weeks. So, one tube a week at $21.95 x 6... for something that MAY work! Don't 'they,' whoever they are, do any deep testing and evaluation of these products, or do they use the market to try them out more profitably? And what's in it? 0.025% chili (capsaicin). Try rubbing a chili in where it hurts, or sprinkle chili powder on. It may help. It won't cost much."

1 / 10
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  • Gir...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 2, 2021

For Pain "I was told by my Dr. to use this medication for sciatic nerve pain. I applied a small amount to my right hip and outer thigh area around 10 PM and immediately felt the warmth. I proceeded to lay down for the night. During the night I woke up several times with burning pain and had to remove my blanket from the applied area. Woke up at 6 AM to shower for work, and during my shower, I felt like there was boiling water being poured down my leg. I had to finish my shower with cold water (leg was still on fire). I could not touch the applied area, and this means putting my pants on for work. I thought about going to urgent care but put some shorts on and headed to work. Five hours later, I am still on fire!! I myself will NEVER use this medication again!"

1 / 10
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  • BKa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 14, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I had a really bad experience using capsaicin. My husband rubbed it into my shoulder when I had severe tendonitis, thinking it would reduce the pain. It created such severe burning and itching that I had to shower immediately to get it off, and it didn't relieve it. Months later, my husband had severe pain due to trigger finger. Thinking I might have had an allergic reaction, we applied it to his finger. Again, severe burning and itching that caused his sleep to be disrupted. I wrapped a cold washcloth around his finger, and after a while, it started burning again. I threw the rest of the tube in the trash. Big warning: don't use this unless you don't mind severe burning and itching."

1 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • July 31, 2018

For Pain "I had a fracture of 10th vertebrae and had great sensitivity to anything touching my back in that area. My bra band caused particular pain. Because of this location, my husband applied Axain to my back, washing his hands well after doing this."

9 / 10
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3 Report
  • Fka...
  • July 12, 2016

Capsaicin topical for Osteoarthritis "I have arthritis in my knee, decided to try Capzasin, used a very small amount. It literally set me on 'fire.' I immediately jumped in the tub and drenched myself with cold water, that didn't even stop the burning. It lasted for hours. Thought I was gonna have to go to the ER!!!"

1 / 10
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  • Cra...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 2, 2022

Capsaicin topical for Pain "I am an RN and Sloan has been great for muscle aches and back pain from long days at work. I also have a right rotator cuff issue due to aging etc., and it has helped with the ache from this condition. Be careful when first using the liniment oil as the heat can be intense. Be sure to wash your hands well after application if you do not use gloves, which I highly recommend doing. If you like the heat and cool theory, just use the liniment then use a cool cloth after. A little goes a long way!"

8 / 10
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  • jon...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 12, 2020

Capsaicin topical for Pain "I injured my shoulder 3 weeks ago, and a customer at my restaurant gave Capzasin-HP Arthritis Formula to me to try, and never, I mean ever again, will I use it. It feels like a bad burn, wow, what a horrible product. 3 showers and a half bottle of Aveeno lotion improved the burning 50 percent maybe. 3 hours later, my shoulder still burns, and it has left welts and blisters on my shoulder!!!"

1 / 10
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  • AKl...
  • June 1, 2014

For Pain "Worked well the first time. If you have severe burning like I had my second time, milk applied provides instant relief."

6 / 10
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40 Report
  • pam...
  • January 2, 2012

Capsaicin topical for Peripheral Neuropathy "Don't get this cream in your eyes or cuts, it will burn."

2 / 10
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66 Report
  • Ran...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 28, 2015

Capsaicin topical for Osteoarthritis "Works best after a few doses."

8 / 10
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32 Report
  • Sab...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 26, 2023

Capsaicin topical for Peripheral Neuropathy "I got relief from my burning in my feet for only four weeks. The burning pain has returned with the same intensity that I had before the application of the patch."

4 / 10
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7 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 26, 2009

Capsaicin topical for Postherpetic Neuralgia "I have used Trixaicin HP for 6 days. Some lessening of the pain, but still have a slight burning. Would rather have the burning from the medicine than the pain from the shingles neuropathy."

7 / 10
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32 Report
  • Pes...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 17, 2019

For Pain "This stuff is horrible, even a tiny drop will burn for days. Never, ever, ever use this. It's horrid."

1 / 10
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11 Report
  • cka...
  • July 20, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "This caused an unbelievably horrible burning feeling on the skin. I threw it away after using it only one time. Do not buy if you have sensitive skin."

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • mar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 21, 2016

Capsaicin topical for Postherpetic Neuralgia "I used this when I had shingles for the pain. Now I use it for seborrhea. It burns like the dickens but then numbs. Itching stops."

8 / 10
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10 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.