Voltaren (diclofenac) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation. While Voltaren is generally safe when used as directed, some people may experience side effects like feeling “weird.” In this article, we’ll explore whether Voltaren can cause strange feelings and look at the reasons why.
What is Voltaren?
Voltaren contains the active ingredient diclofenac sodium, which belongs to a class of medications called NSAIDs. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins – chemicals in the body that promote pain and inflammation. By reducing prostaglandins, Voltaren helps relieve pain, swelling, stiffness, and fever.
Some common uses of Voltaren include:
– Treating arthritis pain
– Reducing inflammation from injuries or surgery
– Alleviating menstrual cramps
– Temporarily relieving backache, muscle strains, sprains
Voltaren is available in various forms like tablets, liquid gels, topical gel, and injectable solutions. It’s one of the most widely used NSAIDs due to its effectiveness.
Can Voltaren cause strange or weird feelings?
Like other NSAIDs, Voltaren does have the potential to cause some odd side effects in some people. Some examples of bizarre or abnormal feelings that have been reported with Voltaren use include:
– Feeling spaced out, loopy or high
– Feeling detached from oneself or surroundings
– Experiencing a floating sensation
– Feeling tingly or numbness in the extremities
– Having hallucinations or vivid dreams
– Feeling agitated or anxious
– Trouble concentrating or confusion
– Dizziness or lightheadedness
These types of sensations tend to be rare side effects of Voltaren. However, they demonstrate that in some individuals, Voltaren may produce subjective feelings of weirdness, disorientation or altered perception.
Why can Voltaren cause strange feelings?
There are a few reasons why Voltaren might provoke odd or disturbing feelings in susceptible individuals:
– Effects on prostaglandins – Prostaglandins are involved in numerous processes in the body and brain. Altering prostaglandin levels can affect the central nervous system and cause neurological side effects.
– Impacts on serotonin – Diclofenac may influence serotonin, a brain chemical involved in mood, cognition, sleep and behavior. This could contribute to neurological side effects.
– Interactions with other drugs – Taking Voltaren with certain other medications like antidepressants, antihistamines, or opioids could increase the risk of neurologic reactions.
– Underlying health conditions – Those with mental health disorders, neurological diseases, or who are very sensitive to medications could be predisposed to neuropsychiatric side effects of Voltaren.
– High doses – Taking more than the recommended amount of Voltaren could make side effects like strange feelings more likely.
So in susceptible people, Voltaren may crossthe blood brain barrier and exert effects on the nervous system that manifest subjectively as odd, disturbing, or uncomfortable sensations and perceptions. However, the majority of people take Voltaren without any bothersome neurologic side effects.
Common and mild side effects
While odd neurological reactions are possible, they tend to be uncommon. More mild and common side effects of Voltaren are:
– Heartburn, indigestion, nausea
– Diarrhea or constipation
– Bloating, gas
– Dizziness
– Headache
– Skin rash
These types of mild side effects occur in up to around 10% of people taking Voltaren. They are usually temporary and often resolve with continued use as the body adjusts to the medication. Nonetheless, any persistent or bothersome side effects should be reported to a doctor.
Risk factors for strange side effects
Certain people may be at increased risk of experiencing bizarre or disturbing neurological side effects from Voltaren:
– Older adults – reduced kidney function can lead to accumulation of diclofenac, increasing side effect risk.
– People with liver disease – decreased ability to metabolize diclofenac may result in higher blood levels.
– Those taking other medications – drug interactions may enhance diclofenac side effects.
– Individuals with neurological conditions – increased vulnerability to neurologic reactions to medications.
– People taking high doses – higher doses boost side effect likelihood.
– Those with prior neuropsychiatric reactions to NSAIDs – increased susceptibility in these individuals.
– Patients with hypertension or heart disease – may be more predisposed to side effects.
If any of these risk factors apply, speak to a doctor about whether it’s advisable to use Voltaren. Close monitoring is recommended in high risk groups.
When to seek medical help
In most cases, bizarre feelings from Voltaren will be temporary and not dangerous. However, contact a doctor if you experience:
– Persistent or worsening neurological symptoms
– Confusion, hallucinations, loss of touch with reality
– Uncontrolled movements like twitching or shaking
– Slurred speech or trouble communicating
– Chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat
– Signs of allergic reaction like swelling, rash, wheezing
Severe or persistent neurological reactions to Voltaren warrant immediate medical care to evaluate if discontinuation or treatment is needed. Don’t ignore or try to “wait out” serious side effects.
Ways to reduce risk of side effects
There are some precautions you can take to lower the chances of experiencing adverse effects from Voltaren:
– Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed
– Take with food to minimize GI upset
– Avoid combining with other NSAIDs or medications that interact
– Stay well hydrated to avoid fluid retention
– Report kidney, liver, heart, or neurological conditions to your doctor
– Don’t exceed dosage recommendations
– Let your doctor know about any concerning side effects
Following dosage guidelines carefully and discussing any health conditions with your doctor can help minimize side effect potential when using Voltaren.
Alternative pain relief options
If you’re concerned about side effects from Voltaren, some alternative pain relief options to discuss with your doctor include:
– Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
– Celecoxib (Celebrex) – a selective COX-2 inhibitor NSAID
– Topical pain relievers – creams, gels, patches
– Physical therapy – for muscle and joint pain
– Massage, acupuncture, heating pads – for natural relief
– Low-dose steroids (short term use)
– Pain medications like tramadol
– Lifestyle changes – weight loss, exercise, stress reduction
There are often safer alternatives to try if Voltaren causes unpleasant or disruptive side effects. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about other pain management options.
Conclusion
Voltaren may cause subjective feelings of weirdness, detachment, or neurological disturbance in some users. However, significant side effects are infrequent when Voltaren is taken as directed. Those at higher risk of side effects should use Voltaren with caution and be monitored by a doctor. Mild side effects like indigestion and dizziness are more common. Make sure to promptly report any troublesome side effects to your healthcare provider. In most cases, Voltaren can be used safely and effectively – but be aware that it can produce odd feelings in sensitive individuals.