Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for inducing, promoting or otherwise facilitating pain relief. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a compound which either directly or indirectly prevents, attenuates or reverses the development of reduced opioid sensitivity, together with a compound which activates the opioid receptor that is the subject of the reduced opioid sensitivity, in methods and compositions for the prevention or alleviation of pain, especially in neuropathic conditions and even more especially in peripheral neuropathic conditions such as painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).