A transdermal topical anesthetic formulation, which can be used to ameliorateor inhibit neuropathic pain, has beendeveloped. In the preferred embodiment, the topical anesthetic is a localanesthetic such as lidocaine, most preferably lidocainefree-base in a gel, and the dosage of the local anesthetic is effective in thepainful area or immediately adjacent areas, to ameliorateor eliminate the pain. High concentration of local anesthetic in solution inthe carrier is used to drive rapid release and uptake of thedrug. Relief is typically obtained for a period of several hours.
