Examination of mechanisms of action, toxicity and interactions of adjuvant analgesics

Adjuvant analgesics are used as mono-therapy or as an adjunct with other analgesics in pain states that cannot be successfully treated with classical non-opioid and/or opioid analgesics. Antiepiletic drugs (AEDs) are important adjuvant analgesics. The analgesic properties of novel AEDs are mainly unexplored. To improve the treatment of pain, we will examine: 1) the effects and mechanisms of action of AEDs in animal pain models and their toxicity; 2) the analgesic and toxic effects of AEDs administered in combination with other analgesics. In continuation with our previous research, we will examine second and third generation AEDs: oxcarbazepine, topiramate, levetiracetam, eslicarbazepine and brivaracetam. We expect to obtain: 1) data about the efficacy of the examined AEDs in animal models of inflammatory, neuropathic and visceral pain and information about their mechanisms of action and safety profiles; 2) information about additive or synergistic interactions between AEDs and other analgesics; 3) data about the mechanisms of interaction and safety profiles of the examined analgesic combinations. Additive or synergistic effects may be important since co-administering the drugs in lower doses could achieve optimal analgesia with fewer side effects. The results are expected to provide clinical directions for better pain control. We will also examine plant isolates for which, based on their chemically defined contents, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are expected.