Key takeaways
Lidoderm (lidocaine) and fentanyl patches are both used to manage pain, but they have significant differences. Lidoderm is a local anesthetic that numbs the nerves in a specific area of your skin, making it effective for localized nerve pain, such as pain from shingles. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, and comes in various strengths. In contrast, fentanyl is a powerful opioid used for severe, long-term pain and is only available by prescription. Fentanyl works by acting on opioid receptors in your brain and requires you to already be taking other opioid medications around-the-clock. While Lidoderm patches are generally well-tolerated with mild side effects like skin irritation, fentanyl patches carry a high risk of addiction, abuse, and serious side effects, including life-threatening breathing problems. Additionally, fentanyl patches are under strict monitoring programs due to their potential for misuse, whereas Lidoderm patches are not.
