The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care.
Lidoderm (lidocaine) for Pain: I have arthritis, carpal tunnel and fibromyalgia. Wonderful for localized arthritis and carpal tunnel pain, not very good for fibromyalgia pain. Used primarily on wrists, elbows and hips but have also used on neck/shoulders and knees. Literally numbs the area. Numbing sinks below the surface relieving joint pain. Especially effective in my hips, allowing me to get sleep.
They cause a mild rash especially if I forget and leave them on to long. They also come off easily. Take a good shower before applying and they stick better. I wear breathable elastic braces on hands and elbows to keep them in place while I sleep.
I love these things, they greatly improve my quality of life and ability to function with virtually no side affects.
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Lidoderm (lidocaine) for Pain: Lidoderm patch. Rated 6 and 1/2. Used for 12 hours then off for 12. This was a fairly good addition to my pain treatment for spinal arthritis. I take NSAIDS, Tramadol and add this towards the end of the day when I feel my spine on fire. It makes a difference but not sure a big enough difference to justify the cost.
Cons- must wear a non-waterproof patch for 12 hours. Patch is no good if you sweat even moderately as it 'unsticks'. It is not re-appliable, can't take it off to readjust or for a shower so you have to get it right and time it right.
Pro- It does help in a manner that pain medicines and NSAIDS don't.
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Lidoderm (lidocaine) for Pain: I love Lidoderm patches. I have stenosis and muscle spasms. There are some nights I couldn't sleep without them. Be sure you are not wearing the patches longer than 12 hours. What is great is you can wear them under your clothes when working and no one knows or 'smells' you are wearing relief for spasms.
They have been my lifesaver on more than one occasion.
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Lidoderm (lidocaine) for Pain: I recently was prescribed lidoderm patches. I was impressed with the relief I got from sore muscles & joints. Later that night I noticed my shoulder was extremely tender to touch & when I looked at it, it was severely bruised and the skin was blistering & peeling, like frostbite. So watch heat and cold while using this patch!
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msdot said: 
Coregon said: 
