Capsaicin topical for Postherpetic Neuralgia User Reviews
Brand names: Qutenza, Zostrix, Sloan's Liniment, Theragen HP, Capzasin, GNP Capsaicin, Salonpas-Hot, Capzasin Back and Body, Salonpas Gel-Patch, Capzasin-HP, Axsain, Aspercreme Warming Pain Relief Patch, Drs Cream, Capsagel Extra Strength, Capsagel Maximum Strength, Zostrix-HP, Dolorac, Capzasin-HP Arthritis Formula, Capsin, Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin, Salonpas Pain Patch with Capsaicin, Analgesic Balm with Capsaicin, Capsicum Oleoresin, Zostrix Sports, Castiva Warming, No Pain-HP, Pain Doctor, Capzasin-P, Pain-X R-Gel Zostrix Neuropathy Zostrix Foot Pain Zostrix Diabetic Foot Pain …show all brand names
Capsaicin topical has an average rating of 4.7 out of 10 from a total of 18 reviews for the treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia. 44% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 50% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Capsaicin topical
- Got...
- April 13, 2012
Zostrix-HP (capsaicin) "I have had PHN for 2 years and have been in extreme pain. My Internist told me about Zostrix HP along with the warning to be careful applying it and to wash it off my hands. I started using latex gloves to administer it on my body and after 2 weeks my pain began to subside. I am now at a very manageable pain level. On a 1-10 with 10 being the highest pain I am now finally at 0.5 (point five) after 2 years of being at a pain level of 10 day and night. I use it sparingly (pea sized amount) 3-4 x a day. I highly recommend it if you had shingles and then PHN."
- methu...
- September 20, 2014
"I am a Dutchman (82), living in The Hague. My Post herpetic neuralgia dates from about 3 months ago. My physician prescribed 3 kinds of tablets (tramadol, carbamazepine and paracetamol) which gave relief to some extent. Thereupon I searched "PHN" on internet and found capsaicin and, on this website. I asked for an additional prescription of capsaicin (0.075 %) which I now apply 4 times a day. I feel 90% back to normal and I too can say: Got my life back!"
Frequently asked questions
- Does Qutenza contain red chili peppers?
- How Can I Treat Muscle Strain or Pain?
- Can you use Topical Medications to Treat Arthritis Pain?
- Beekind
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 29, 2020
Capzasin (capsaicin) "I beg to differ, the negative results others are getting is from wrong application. Apply a thin coating only, and it will work great; gradually applying more a little at a time. This has been a lifesaver for me, as I am suffering from shingles and this has given me much needed relief. ALERT! Wear gloves or use paper towel to apply or it will burn your hands, and always wash hands thoroughly afterwards. It will heat up a little, but won’t last ."
- Peg
- September 8, 2018
Capzasin-HP (capsaicin) "I have had shingles for the past month. I read that Capzasin HP would help the pain after the shingles were healed. Last night I put it on my body from the front, side and back. Instantly it started to burn but I thought the pain would go away in a few minutes. However, the pain intensified and within ten minutes I couldn't tolerate the painfulness of the Capzasin HP on my skin. The whole area was swollen and a bright red rash had developed. I got in the shower and repeatedly wash the whole area with soap and lukewarm water. Then I applied a cold compress to the areas and received some relief. When I went to bed, it felt like I had a heating pad under me. I would not recommend Capzasin HP to anyone with shingles."
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- Mamadub
- October 31, 2020
"I have had shingles and now some PHN pain. If you use capsaicin too early on the rash it will not be effective (and burn intensely). I used a lidocaine cream on the rash until it healed and then I started using capsaicin when I could tolerate it on my skin. If you can push through the initial burning at application, it does effectively work on the nerve pain. But I would not try it until the rash and skin sensitivity has healed first. Use lidocaine for shingles, capsaicin for PHN nerve pain."
- PWillip
- July 14, 2016
"Been using 4% lidocaine (along with gabapentin, which has yet to do anything after a week) and ibuprofen for my postherpetic neuralgia. Asked Dr for prescription strength lidocaine cream and he recommended OTC Capsaicin. He recommened zostric, but the Capszin-HP was on sale (.01%) so I got that. Applied first time. Felt like my skin was on FIRE!!! MUCH worse than the neuralgia pain. And it lasted almost an hour, leaving me in worse pain than before I applied. Will never use this again."
- jennna
- February 1, 2018
"Dr. prescribed this for treatment of my shingles pain. Instructed to use 4 x a day. The pain was so severe I cried my eyes out loud enough for my mom to wake up. She had to wipe it off and the pain still continued for 40 mins. When it was off we could see my whole back was red and burnt. Awful pain when applied and did not help the condition of the shingles."
- DRP
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 16, 2021
"Used on my Torso to relief pain post shingles virus. It burned so badly that I considered going to hospital! After 6 hours, 2 showers and what felt like worsening pain I soaked the area in dishwashing liquid which has relieved the burning marginally! Would not recommend nor will I use again!"
- MGB
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 2, 2023
Capzasin-HP (capsaicin) "Works well for my major post-spine fusion surgery causing foot leg and back neuropathy pain going on my second year. People saying it is worse than the pain itself don't know what real pain is and should be using Vicks Tiger Balm or maybe baby aspirin. This stuff works with taking Turmeric capsules as an anti-inflammatory. Just learn to use it wisely and when really needed so as not to get desensitized to it. It's not a cure-all but definitely helps relieve the pain."
- Joe...
- February 28, 2017
"Shingles 5 years ago , chronic PHN Trigeminal Upper Branch Nerve Pain Discomfort since , used Lidoderm Lidocaine patch , that lost it's ability to relieve , tried other topical creams Eucerin skin calming creme w/ drop of Geranium Oil mixed and worked into affected area , after awhile that lost it's ability as well . Tonight tried Capzacin again , used years ago didn't do much , yet tonight it did , we'll see tomorrow ."
- Ouch
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 31, 2022
"Wow - HORRIBLE- I can’t believe that my Doctor told me to use this. I have been in pain for hours. I cleaned this off about 8 minutes after applying as I couldn’t stand it. It is still burning and made the shingles pain even worse than before I put it on. Absolutely awful!"
- Vic
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 4, 2021
"I am suffering PHN. On Gabapentin which has helped a little. Have terrible itching and burning on the side of my nose as under eye as well as forehead and scalp. GP recommend Capsaicin. Applied it first time today, did burn a bit then the itching subsided. Works better than a lot of drugs I have tried such as Tramadol and antihistamines, and codeine. Does not take pain away completely but a good relief from that horrible itching."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- February 5, 2021
"I overdid the first time I used and like others, experimented a very unpleasant burning feeling which I had to rub off in the shower and extra lubricant cream. Next times 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."
- Anonymous
- December 26, 2009
Trixaicin HP (capsaicin) "I have used Trixaicin HP for 6 days. Some lessing of the pain, but still have a slight burning. Would rather have the burning from the medicine then the pain from the shingles neuropathy."
- marge
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 21, 2016
Capzasin-HP (capsaicin) "I used this when I had shingles for the pain, NowI use it for sebhorea... it burns like the dickens but then numbs. itching stops."
- Grace
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 24, 2019
"On knees seems okay. Too soon to determine if it helps. On shingles rash, extreme long-lasting pain. Won’t purchase again."
- Lani
- April 12, 2017
"Tried it once, 12 hours later still burning unbearably"
- bonog...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 9, 2022
"My experience is terrible! I applied lightly to help with nerve pain but the burning from this cream is even worse! Going on two hours of extreme pain and burned looking skin."
- Shing...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 28, 2021
"The pharmacist said to try this for shingles pain. The pain was so much worse. It turned red, swelled, and was on fire. Should never be used for shingles ever."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
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Qutenza, Zostrix, Sloan's Liniment, Capzasin, ... +17 more
Capzasin-HP (capsaicin) "I bought this Capzasin-HP yesterday and tried it for my post neuralgia shingles pain. I was very disappointed in it as it caused more pain and my skin looked scalded where I applied it. I had to wash it off after 15 minutes due to the intense burning and apply aloe Vera gel three times in order to get relief. I feel it was a waste of my money just to try it as it was recommended. This should be removed from shelves and not sold as I cringe to think of a small child having this used on them. The burning was intense."