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Diclofenac for Migraine User Reviews

Brand names: Voltaren, Cataflam, Cambia, Lofena, Zorvolex, Zipsor Xiclo

Rating: 7.1

Diclofenac has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 69 reviews for the treatment of migraine. 65% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 25% reported a negative experience.

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45%
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13%
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7%
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7%
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16%

Reviews for Diclofenac

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Anonymous
  • November 7, 2011

Diclofenac "I love Cambia. I took 4 doses of Imitrex in a 24-hour period and couldn't get rid of a migraine. Out of desperation, I took a sample dose of Cambia my doctor gave me, and my migraine was gone in 15 minutes. I called my doctor and had him call in a prescription for me. It was the fastest-acting pain reliever ever."

10 / 10
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69 Report
  • Anonymous
  • November 27, 2011

Diclofenac "I have suffered from prolonged migraines for over 20 years. This is the first medicine I have used that relieved my pain. My recent migraine was going on twelve hours when it was suggested that I try this medication. Within 1 1/2 hours, it was gone. I am hoping not to use it again for a while, however, the next time I need Cambia and it works, I will have found my miracle."

10 / 10
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59 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 30, 2012

Diclofenac "It works completely within 30 to 60 minutes. However, my migraines do come back the next day. Am a little concerned about taking Cambia every day. Have been getting migraines daily for the last 8 days. The meds you take daily to stop migraines make me feel like I'm wrapped in cotton and out of touch with the world."

10 / 10
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52 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 8, 2012

Diclofenac "Finally took the sample given to me by my doctor after nothing else was making a dent in my migraine after approximately 12 hours. This worked literally within an hour. Felt wonderful and not at all 'fuzzy' headed. Will always be keeping a dose of this on hand with me."

10 / 10
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49 Report
  • fsb...
  • November 25, 2013

Diclofenac "I have been taking Firocet for years, and it has been moderately effective for my migraines, which I usually have one per week. My doctor last week recommended Cambia. I was skeptical about it but was in agony and gave it a try. Within 45 minutes, I was up and functional. Will only use in severe cases. Also very costly if you have no insurance."

10 / 10
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43 Report

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  • gch...
  • September 20, 2013

Diclofenac "I suffer from cluster headaches, and they are no fun. Had one this morning and took 10 mg of Percocet. It did not take it away. I was a little skeptical about a Cambia pack I got from the doctor, but after 3 hours and no relief, I took it, and within 30 minutes it was gone. Been suffering from these for 18 years and will keep some on hand just in case."

10 / 10
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42 Report
  • Cam...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 20, 2016

Diclofenac "Cambia is diclofenac potassium. This company added flavor consisting of mint and anise (licorice flavor). Also, they added aspartame, which is not a good thing. They charge hundreds of dollars for only nine powders. The actual drug of diclofenac potassium is cheap, and you get a 30-day supply. I just crushed the pill into a powder and took it with water just like the Cambia...worked just as fast and tasted better, because it had no taste. Don't be fooled by the makers of Cambia. It is just another EpiPen scandal story."

1 / 10
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45 Report

More FAQ

  • The...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • December 4, 2016

Diclofenac "Mama said, 'If it's too good to be true, it probably is.' Except for Cambia. This is good stuff. I get headaches so often I don't notice unless it's a bad one. Relief comes within 10 to 15 minutes. Maybe even less on an empty stomach. Pain, throbbing, sensitivity, all of it. Best part: I can take it at work (elementary special needs teacher) with no impairment, drowsiness, or pesky side effects whatsoever. That's a BIG deal when working with kids. I keep two packets in my wallet at all times. PS: The taste, mint and black jellybeans, was hard for me to swallow at first. But it's no worse than NyQuil or Robitussin or any of the other horrid things we take to feel better. So what?"

10 / 10
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30 Report
  • Lil...
  • November 16, 2015

Diclofenac "This is a miracle! I've had migraines since I was 6, diagnosed with chronic daily migraines when I was 14 and have not been able to find a reprieve from the pain. On a scale of 1 to 10, my pain is usually around a 4 on a good day and an 8 or 9 on a bad one. On a bad day, I take a dose of Cambia and an Imitrex subcutaneous injection, and it completely knocks out my migraine! In all my years of having migraines, I never thought that was possible. Even when I don't take the injection, the Cambia alone brings a level 8 migraine down to a 3, which is manageable."

9 / 10
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32 Report
  • Ter...
  • April 10, 2017

Diclofenac "I have had debilitating migraines for over 25 years. I have tried every type of migraine medication-hoping each time the new one would work-and would be so frustrated every time. I previously thought my migraines were hormone-related, but have now realized they are also caused by changes in the weather/air pressure. My neurologist has tried many medications, and finally Cambia! Cambia is by far the best thing I have used-if I can take it as soon as I feel the migraine coming on, it works great! I have been taking it for 6 months, and only a couple of times it didn't work. I also started taking 400 mg of magnesium glycinate every day, and I feel it has also helped in migraine prevention. Hope this helps others as much as it has helped me!"

9 / 10
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27 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 15, 2013

Diclofenac "Have only used it twice, and ONLY as a 'rescue' med from my Dr. It worked within 20 minutes and lasted the whole day. I'm only instructed to use it no more than twice a week. I suffer all the other days and have had this headache for 4 years now. Also starting some new meds to figure out what will PREVENT them."

10 / 10
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36 Report
  • Chr...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 18, 2015

Diclofenac "Present migraine has plagued me for 2 weeks despite my customary meds (-> Treximet, -> Percocet 10mg, -> Imitrex injections, not in same day, of course). I also do Botox migraine every three months. I not only suffer with common symptoms, debilitating headache, nausea, light/sound sensitivities, I also have numbness, unilateral paralysis, and even blindness. I've tried most approved treatments, including 'off-label' medications, with ranging levels of relief. I've yet to find a preventative, aka 'miracle drug', although Botox has effectively reduced the number of my 'headache' days. At any rate, my migraine specialist gave me samples of Cambia at last visit, and today I remembered I had it. It quickly took a level 9 to a level 3."

8 / 10
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30 Report
  • Bee...
  • April 11, 2017

Diclofenac "I was having frequent migraines to the point where it was making me hate life and cry all the time. I was scared to take it, but it worked within two minutes. If you are scared and feel hopeless, try this medication, it will literally save you from the drowning that migraines can make you feel. It's the only medication I can say that is truly magic."

10 / 10
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23 Report
  • Mys...
  • July 25, 2014

Diclofenac "Did not work for me at all. Since 2005 until now, I've been on every non-narcotic and narcotic med for my migraines that in spring and summer increases them to 5-7 times a week. I've even had the injections, even though I'd always say no way would I allow it, but then I did them because if it would've helped, it would be so worth it. I'm now quite desperate as I have no decent quality of life anymore. White brain matter was first detected in 2005, which led to more tests and found out it's Multiple Sclerosis that was causing it, and in 2006, there was a tumor caught by Cat Scan deep in the left cerebellum. Surgeons say I'd have a 50/50 chance of dying. I hate to say it, but migraines 5-7 days a week is not exactly living."

2 / 10
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35 Report
  • kis...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 29, 2016

Diclofenac "I found this medication online with some web searches during a major migraine. I asked my neurologist for a prescription, and fortunately, she agreed. She'd never heard of it before, so she was hesitant. My insurance covers this at a better price than other migraine abortants. It's my go-to now. I highly recommend it. Use as little water as possible, then rinse the cup with water and drink whatever residue. It works wonders and truly doesn't taste bad."

8 / 10
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21 Report
  • Bla...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 21, 2025

Diclofenac "This is the only medicine that works right away. When I have a really bad migraine, I take this, and the migraine is completely gone within 20 minutes. It is amazing. I haven’t had any side effects in the last 15 years that I’ve taken it."

10 / 10
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  • Sta...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 5, 2019

Diclofenac "Honestly, this is my go-to when my migraine is an 8 or higher. Taken on an empty stomach with very minimal water used to mix. Take as a shot, then fill the glass with an entire water bottle to get what’s left over and hydrate your body. Afterwards, relax, maybe even a small 20-30 minute nap after, and I'm good to go like I never even had a migraine in the first place! They do tend to be expensive, so like I said, I only use when 8 or higher since I take Aimovig shot once a month to keep the headaches down."

10 / 10
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  • Joy...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 29, 2019

Diclofenac "Cambia has gotten rid of EVERY migraine I’ve ever had for years. It’s not only the best thing I’ve tried, it’s the only thing that works. I’ve tried Maxalt, Fioricet, literally everything. This is a true lifesaver."

10 / 10
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  • Bad...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 10, 2014

"This is amazing, diclofenac really is. Got it from my doctor. Have a muscle disease that affects my back as well. Always seem to be hurting somewhere all the time, as well as really bad headaches. Couldn't take the pain anymore, tried it. It was wonderful-so fast, 30 to 45 minutes. I was so grateful I cried out of relief. Finally took care of all of it...you've got to try it. Thanks so much for this medicine."

10 / 10
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22 Report
  • sym...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 21, 2020

Diclofenac "I find that Cambia works quite well and quite fast, especially when taken on an empty stomach. It doesn't last long, though, and I typically only get an hour or two of pain relief before it wears off. Also, it's quite inconvenient to administer and really only suitable for home use. Because of the above reasons, I sought out a different analgesic for my migraines and headaches. I am currently taking Tramacet, and I find that it works much better and lasts much longer."

6 / 10
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  • And...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 21, 2018

Diclofenac "Cambia works perfectly for me. I get zero side effects from it, so I take it at the first sign of aura or pain because there's no side effect trade-off. But even when I haven't been able to take it at onset, it still works for me. If taken hours in, it sometimes doesn't remove all pain, but I take another, and that one always takes the rest of the pain away. But since I don't get dizzy or drowsy, I keep it with me at all times and take it wherever I am. It's given me my life back. Sometimes my sensitivity to light and sound stays a bit. This isn't a side effect of the med, I think it's just that I still have a migraine in the background, with no pain. Maybe it's just post-migraine fog though, as it doesn't present right away. It's hours after. Tip: works best on an empty stomach. Wait to take it for 15-30 minutes if the stomach is full. Don't drink or eat anything for another 30 minutes while it's absorbing into your stomach lining."

10 / 10
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11 Report
  • fra...
  • January 29, 2014

"Have had 2 or 3 migraines a year, give or take, since I was 16, now 38. I have never found anything that remotely helped until a friend recommended diclofenac... WOW, 2x 25mg and 30 mins, and it's like nothing ever happened. Have only used it twice, but it worked both times. I don't like using any kind of medicine usually, but not having to go through torturous 12-hour ordeals is what medicines are for."

9 / 10
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16 Report
  • Goo...
  • June 22, 2017

Diclofenac "I've had migraines for decades, did all kinds of naturopaths, acupuncture, iridologist, meds, and Botox injections. I have used two packets of Cambia, and so far, so good. Will continue to see how it goes. There are many warnings with this drug. So be aware, and in the meantime, keep healing."

8 / 10
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12 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 26, 2021

Diclofenac "I don’t know what type of sadist thought that aniseed and menthol were the flavor that people suffering from a migraine want to taste. I had one sip of this and had to run to the toilet to vomit because it was so awful. The only time I was able to stomach it was when I was so stuffed up I had absolutely no taste and had run out of all my other options. It did help bring down the pain of my migraine, but it left me completely feeling out of it and dizzy. I prefer taking Maxalt (which I find just as effective) as I can actually keep it down."

3 / 10
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6 Report
  • lov...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 13, 2023

Diclofenac "This is the only drug that really helps. I am suffering for more than 50 years. I had a prescription and insurance, but not now. I am retired and my only question is WHERE I can buy it??? I still have limited pouches leftover after my insurance paid for it, so I try to use it as a last resort. I even tried a laboratory that made the exact substance, but it did not work."

10 / 10
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3 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.

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