Zulfkar Qadrie (1), Humaira Ashraf (2), Mohd Altaf Dar (3)
Pain is a complex sensory and emotional experience that significantly impacts an individual's quality of life. It often arises from underlying pathophysiological processes and can present as acute or chronic pain, each involving distinct mechanisms. The neuropharmacology of pain management seeks to understand the molecular, cellular, and neurological pathways involved in pain perception and how these can be modulated through pharmacological interventions. Traditional pain management strategies, including opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and local anesthetics, have provided relief but come with limitations such as side effects, tolerance, and dependency. Recent advancements in neuroscience and pharmacology have led to the development of novel therapeutic approaches that target specific receptors, ion channels, and signaling pathways involved in pain transmission. These new therapies aim to provide more effective and precise pain relief while minimizing adverse effects. Key molecular targets, including ion channels like TRPV1, NMDA receptors, and cannabinoid receptors, are being explored to improve the management of various pain types, especially chronic and neuropathic pain. This review discusses recent insights into the neuropharmacology of pain, emphasizing new targets, mechanisms, and drugs that show promise in enhancing pain management in clinical settings. We also address ongoing challenges, including drug efficacy, side effects, and the need for individualized treatment strategies. The evolving landscape of pain management offers hope for more effective, safer therapies, which could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from both acute and chronic pain.
1. Zehravi M, Maqbool M, Ara I. Polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility: an update. International journal of adolescent medicine and health. 2021 Jul 22;34(2):1-9.
2. Lihite RJ, Lahkar M, Das S, Hazarika D, Kotni M, Maqbool M, Phukan S. A study on adverse drug reactions in a tertiary care hospital of Northeast India. Alexandria journal of medicine. 2017 Jul 11;53(2):151-6.
3. Zehravi M, Maqbool M, Ara I. Correlation between obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus, and pregnancy outcomes: an overview. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. 2021 Jun 18;33(6):339-45.
4. Maqbool M, Bekele F, Fekadu G. Treatment strategies against triple-negative breast cancer: an updated review. Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy. 2022 Jan 11:15-24
5. Rasool S, Maqbool M. An overview about Hedychium spicatum: a review. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics. 2019 Feb 15;9(1-s):476-80.
6. Zehravi M, Maqbool M, Ara I. Depression and anxiety in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a literature survey. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. 2021 Aug 23;33(6):367-73.
7. Maqbool M, Gani I, Dar MA. Anti-diabetic effects of some medicinal plants in experimental animals: a review. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development. 2019 Feb 15;7(1):66-9.
8. Zehravi M, Maqbool M, Ara I. Polycystic ovary syndrome and reproductive health of women: a curious association. International journal of adolescent medicine and health. 2021 Apr 21;33(6):333-7.
9. Mohd M, Maqbool M, Dar MA, Mushtaq I. Polycystic ovary syndrome, a modern epidemic: an overview. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics. 2019 May 15;9(3):641-4.
10. Maqbool M, Fekadu G, Jiang X, Bekele F, Tolossa T, Turi E, Fetensa G, Fanta K. An up to date on clinical prospects and management of osteoarthritis. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2021 Dec 1;72:103077.
11. Majeed A, Bashir R, Farooq S, Maqbool M. Preparation, characterization and applications of nanoemulsions: An insight. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics. 2019 Mar 15;9(2):520-7.
12. Zehravi M, Maqbool M, Ara I. Healthy lifestyle and dietary approaches to treating polycystic ovary syndrome: a review. Open Health. 2022 May 2;3(1):60-5.
13. Maqbool R, Maqbool M, Zehravi M, Ara I. Menstrual distress in females of reproductive age: a literature review. International journal of adolescent medicine and health. 2021 Jul 22;34(2):11-7.
14. Ara I, Maqbool M, Fekadu G, Hajam TA, Dar MA. Pharmaceutical significance of Nigella sativa L., a wonder herb. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2020;3(4):04-13.
15. Maqbool M, Nasir N, Mustafa S. Polycystic in ovarian syndrome and its various treatment strategies. INDO AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES. 2018 Sep 1;5(9):8470-8.
16. Maqbool M, Zehravi M, Maqbool R, Ara I. Study of adverse drug reactions in pulmonary medicine department of a Tertiary care hospital, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. CELLMED. 2021;11(2):8-1.
17. Ara I, Maqbool M, Bukhari B, Ara N, Hajam TA. Present status, standardization and safety issues with herbal drugs. International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology. 2020 May 18;1(3):95-101.
18. Ara I, Maqbool M, Gani I. Reproductive Health of Women: implications and attributes. International Journal of Current Research in Physiology and Pharmacology. 2022 Nov 28:8-18.
19. Zehravi M, Maqbool R, Maqbool M, Ara I. To Identify Patterns of Drug Usage among Patients Who Seek Care in Psychiatry Outpatient Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International. 2021 Jun 10;33(31A):135-40.
20. Maqbool M, Javed S, Bajwa AA. Assessment OF pain management IN postoperative cases using different scales and questionnaires. INDO AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES. 2019 Jan 1;6(1):983-7.
21. Ara I, Maqbool M, Zehravi M. Psychic consequences of infertility on couples: A short commentary. Open Health. 2022 Jan 1;3(1):114-9.
22. Bashir R, Maqbool M, Ara I, Zehravi M. An In sight into Novel Drug Delivery System: In Situ Gels. CELLMED. 2021;11(1):6-1.
23. Zehravi M, Maqbool M, Ara I. Teenage menstrual dysfunction: an overview. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. 2022 Sep 19;35(1):15-9.
24. Ara I, Zehravi M, Maqbool M, Gani I. A review of recent developments and future challenges in the implementation of universal health coverage policy framework in some countries. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research & Reports. SRC/JPRSR-131. DOI: doi. org/10.47363/JPRSR/2022 (3). 2022;127.
25. Maqbool M, Shabbir W, Aamir S. Adverse events of blood transfusion and blood safety in clinical practice. Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2018 Aug 1;5(8):8254-9.
26. Maqbool M, Naeem A, Aamer S. Diabetes mellitus and its various management strategies in practice. Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2018 Aug 1;5(8):8163-+.
27. Maqbool M, Tariq S, Amjad S. Prescribing practices in pediatrics and drug utilization studies promoting pediatric health. Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2018 Aug 1;5(8):8070-6.
28. Maqbool M, Ikram U, Anwar A. Adverse drug reaction monitoring and occurrence in drugs used in pulmonary disorders. Indo American Journal Of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2018 Aug 1;5(8):8060-5.
29. Maqbool R, Maqbool M, Zehravi M, Ara I. Acute neurological conditions during pregnancy and their management: a review. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. 2021 Aug 23;33(6):357-66.
30. Zehravi M, Maqbool M, Ara I. An overview about safety surveillance of adverse drug reactions and pharmacovigilance in India. The Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2021 Jul:408-18.
31. Maqbool M, Zehravi M. Neuroprotective role of polyphenols in treatment of neurological disorders: A review. Interventional Pain Medicine and Neuromodulation. 2021 Dec 31;1(1).
32. Maqbool M, Ara I, Gani I. The Story of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Challenging Disorder with Numerous Consequences for Females of Reproductive Age. International Journal of Current Research in Physiology and Pharmacology. 2022 Nov 28:19-31.
33. Maqbool M, Gani I. Utilization of statins in reducing comorbidities of diabetes mellitus: A systematic review. Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Community Medicine. 2018;4(4).
34. Maqbool R, Maqbool M, Zehravi M, Ara I. Acute neurological conditions during pregnancy and their management: a review. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. 2021 Aug 23;33(6):357-66.
35. Maqbool M, Tariq S, Amjad S. Prescribing practices in pediatrics and drug utilization studies promoting pediatric health. Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2018 Aug 1;5(8):8070-6.
36. Maqbool M, Naeem A, Aamer S. Diabetes mellitus and its various management strategies in practice. Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2018 Aug 1;5(8):8163-+.
37. Maqbool M, Shabbir W, Aamir S. Adverse events of blood transfusion and blood safety in clinical practice. Indo American Journal Of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2018 Aug 1;5(8):8254-9.
38. Qadrie Z, Maqbool M, Dar MA, Qadir A. Navigating challenges and maximizing potential: Handling complications and constraints in minimally invasive surgery. Open Health. 2025 Feb 5;6(1):20250059.
39. Oral O, Maqbool M, Thapa P, Tatlibal P, Enser M. The potential impact of weight control management on metabolic health during healthy aging. Global Translational Medicine. 2025 Jan 13:4815.
40. Maqbool M, Oral O. Implications of hypothyroidism in females of reproductive age: a review of current literature.