Redefining Pain Management: From Suzetrigine Approval to Cannabis and Psychedelics

The escalating concern over opioid dependence has catalyzed a shift in pain management, where novel non-opioid strategies like suzetrigine and select integrative options are gaining attention.

While NaV1.8 inhibition exemplifies a peripherally targeted strategy, other non‑opioid options—such as regional anesthesia, NSAIDs, or integrative therapies—work through distinct mechanisms. Suzetrigine, a selective NaV1.8 sodium channel inhibitor, targets peripheral sensory neurons; in clinical trials for postoperative pain (e.g., bunionectomy, abdominoplasty), this mechanism was associated with reduced pain and opioid use. Because it is non‑opioid, it may avoid opioid‑specific risks such as respiratory depression and dependence; however, its overall safety profile continues to be characterized in trials and real‑world use. Learn more about suzetrigine's impact.

In 2024, the FDA approved suzetrigine for the management of acute postoperative pain in adults following certain procedures, as reported by Time. For adults who meet the labeled indication for acute postoperative pain, suzetrigine may offer a non‑opioid option; adoption will hinge on formulary coverage, cost, and emerging comparative data.

Early trial data suggest suzetrigine can reduce postoperative opioid consumption in studied procedures (for example, lowering rescue opioid use while maintaining comparable pain scores); broader clinician adoption will depend on guidelines, access, and cost. Trials report lower opioid consumption with similar pain scores, aligning with patient‑centered goals of effective analgesia with fewer opioid‑related side effects.

Advances in integrative therapies, like the use of cannabis, allow new pathways that could further reduce opioid requirements. Evidence for opioid‑sparing with medical cannabis comes largely from observational studies and small trials in chronic pain, with effects varying by THC/CBD content, dosing, and legal context. Explore the integration of cannabis in pain management.

Yet not every patient responds to suzetrigine, highlighting the importance of exploring other approaches. Psychedelic‑assisted therapies remain investigational, with current research focused mainly on chronic pain and comorbid mental health—not acute postoperative analgesia.

Looking ahead, peripherally targeted NaV1.8 inhibition offers a non‑opioid path for acute postoperative pain while cannabis and other integrative options may have roles in chronic pain. Priority next steps include comparative‑effectiveness trials versus standard multimodal care, updates to clinical guidelines as evidence matures, and implementation studies addressing access, coverage, and real‑world safety.

Key Takeaways:

• Early postoperative trials suggest suzetrigine can reduce opioid use in procedures such as bunionectomy and abdominoplasty; ongoing monitoring will clarify long‑term safety.
• Applicability is limited to labeled indications and studied populations; broader adoption will depend on coverage, cost, and guidelines.
• Medical cannabis shows opioid‑sparing signals mainly in chronic pain from observational and small trials; effects vary by formulation and legal context.
• Psychedelic‑assisted therapies are investigational and not established for acute postoperative analgesia.