Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating or preventing pain and to pharmaceutical compositions useful for carrying out said methods. The present invention is directed to a method of treating or preventing pain comprising administering a selected analgesic and a beta adrenergic agonist to a subject in need of such treatment, wherein said beta adrenergic agonist produces an enhanced effect of said analgesic. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising an analgesic and a beta adrenergic agonist useful for carrying out the method of the present invention.