An alternative to narcotics for pain?

[Radioguy]

Hey Doc, I know that you often suggest methadone as an alternative to other strong opiates, but in an ep last year or so you mentioned the development of some new class of drugs that work differently (and better than tramadol or Neurontin/Lyrica) yet would supposedly be as effective. Is there any news on those, or any others yet to be prescribable?

[Dr Steve]

Hey Doc, I know that you often suggest methadone as an alternative to other strong opiates, but in an ep last year or so you mentioned the development of some new class of drugs that work differently (and better than tramadol or Neurontin/Lyrica) yet would supposedly be as effective. Is there any news on those, or any others yet to be prescribable?

I did indeed. This was the N-type calcium channel blocker, a powerful pain medication that works on a non-opiate receptor and is non-sedating and non-addictive.

Problem is, the only way we have to give this stuff right now is through a pump that is directly injecting medicine into your spinal cord. Not a great delivery system for someone who is walking around.

The original molecule was isolated from some cone-snail thingy. You can google "Ziconatide" if you're interested in more info on this class of drug.

Believe me, research is ongoing for an alternative to narcotic pain medications. They've relieved a lot of suffering in their time, but at a steep price. We'll see what the next 20 years brings.


your pal,



steve