Voltaren vs Desyrel: side-by-side comparison
Voltaren (Pain Relief Medications) and Desyrel (Anti-Depressants) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Voltaren | Desyrel |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Diclofenac | Trazodone |
| Manufacturer | Novartis | Various generics |
| Class | Pain Relief Medications | Anti-Depressants |
| Strengths | 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg | 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 300mg |
| Forms | tablet, delayed-release tablet, topical gel, suppository | tablet |
What's the same
Voltaren and Desyrel are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Voltaren belongs to Pain Relief Medications while Desyrel belongs to Anti-Depressants. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Voltaren: Diclofenac reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, with somewhat greater selectivity for COX-2 than ibuprofen and naproxen. Desyrel: Trazodone is classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI).
When Voltaren is preferred
Voltaren is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical pain, primary dysmenorrhoea, acute migraine and ureteric colic.
When Desyrel is preferred
Desyrel (trazodone) is approved for major depressive disorder.
Frequently asked questions
Is Voltaren or Desyrel better? ▾
Voltaren and Desyrel are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Voltaren to Desyrel? ▾
Switching between Voltaren and Desyrel is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Voltaren and Desyrel have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Voltaren comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.