Voltaren vs Elavil: side-by-side comparison
Voltaren (Pain Relief Medications) and Elavil (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 | Elavil |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Diclofenac | Amitriptyline |
| Manufacturer | Novartis | Various generics |
| Class | Pain Relief Medications | Anti-Depressants |
| Strengths | 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg | 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg |
| Forms | tablet, delayed-release tablet, topical gel, suppository | tablet |
What's the same
Voltaren and Elavil 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 Elavil 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. Elavil: Amitriptyline inhibits reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline at central synapses.
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 Elavil is preferred
Amitriptyline is approved for major depressive disorder, but contemporary use is dominated by low-dose off-label indications: neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic tension headache, migraine prevention, irritable bowel syndrome, nocturnal enuresis, and insomnia.
Frequently asked questions
Is Voltaren or Elavil better? ▾
Voltaren and Elavil 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 Elavil? ▾
Switching between Voltaren and Elavil 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 Elavil 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.