sorry didn't get back to you sooner...but yes they are the same thing..sometimes i remember to say lidoderm and other times lidocaine comes peace to mind...HA HA like i still have any mind left..... great news...today was the first day that i didn't have to look at my hidden piece of paper that has my password on it....i think playing the word game on chronic pain site is paying off and some of my memory is coming back.. old info remembered---recent memory shot...