Capsaicin topical for Postherpetic Neuralgia User Reviews
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
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 times a day. I highly recommend it if you had shingles and then PHN."
- met...
- September 20, 2014
"I am a Dutchman (82), living in The Hague. My postherpetic 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 the 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?
- Bee...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 29, 2020
Capzasin (capsaicin) "I beg to differ; the negative results others are getting are 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 a paper towel to apply, or it will burn your hands, and always wash hands thoroughly afterward. 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 washed 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."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Mam...
- 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 have healed first. Use lidocaine for shingles, capsaicin for PHN nerve pain."
- PWi...
- 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 recommended Zostric, but the Capsaicin-HP was on sale (0.01%), so I got that. Applied for the 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."
- jen...
- February 1, 2018
"Dr. prescribed this for the treatment of my shingles pain. Instructed to use 4 times 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 minutes. 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 relieve pain post-shingles virus. It burned so badly that I considered going to the 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 its ability to relieve, tried other topical creams, Eucerin skin calming crème with a drop of geranium oil mixed and worked into affected area, after a while that lost its ability as well. Tonight tried capsaicin again, used years ago didn't do much, yet tonight it did, we'll see tomorrow."
- Ouc...
- 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!"
- Anonymous
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- February 5, 2021
"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."
- Vic...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 4, 2021
"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."
- Anonymous
- December 26, 2009
Trixaicin HP (capsaicin) "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."
- mar...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 21, 2016
Capzasin-HP (capsaicin) "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."
- Lan...
- April 12, 2017
"Tried it once, 12 hours later, still burning unbearably."
- Gra...
- 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."
- bon...
- 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."
- Shi...
- 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."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about capsaicin topical
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (149)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous topical agents
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
Other brands
Qutenza, Zostrix, Capzasin, Zostrix Neuropathy, ... +13 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."