Abstract: A composition, useful for producing analgesia in humans or lower animals, comprising a safe and effective amount of: an N-[(substituted phenyl)methyl]-cis-monounsaturated alkenamide pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, or mixtures thereof; and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. Preferably, these alkenamides are N-vanillyl-cis-monounsaturated alkenamides. Methods of treatment, comprising administering a safe and effective amount of these alkenamides, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, or mixtures thereof, include methods of parenteral, oral, and topical administration.