The present invention is drawn to solidifying formulations for dermal delivery of a drug for treating pain, such as musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, joint pain, or neuropathic pain. The formulation can include a drug selected from certain drug classes, a solvent vehicle, and a solidifying agent. The solvent vehicle can include a volatile solvent system comprising at least one volatile solvent, and a non-volatile solvent system comprising at least one non-volatile solvent, wherein the evaporation of at least some of the volatile solvent converts the formulation on the skin into a solidified layer and the non-volatile solvent system is capable of facilitating the topical delivery of the drug(s) at therapeutically effective rates over a sustained period of time.
