non mammalian species such as birds amphibians and fish may also be contemplated in certain embodiments of the invention particularly contemplated subjects are human subjects the compounds of the invention are administered in an amount and in accordance with a regimen effective to achieve the desired outcome e g full or partial inhibition of sodium channel activity an effective amount is intended to include an amount which when administered according to the desired dosing regimen at least partially attains the desired effect in particular a treatment effective amount is intended to include an amount which when administered according to the desired dosing regimen at least partially attains the desired therapeutic effect including one or more of alleviating eliminating or reducing the frequency one or more symptoms of preventing or delaying the onset of inhibiting the progression of or halting or reversing partially or altogether the onset or progression of the particular disorder or condition being treated suitable dosage amounts and dosing regimens can be determined by the attending physician and may depend on the particular condition being treated the severity of the condition as well as the general age health and weight of the subject suitable dosage amounts may lie in the range of from 1 u03bcg to 1 g of compound salt solvate or prodrug for example 1 u03bcg 1 mg 1 mg 10 mg 10 mg 50 mg 50 mg 100 mg 100 mg 500 mg 500 mg 750 mg or 750 mg 1000 mg dosages may be administered once or multiple times daily or one or more times weekly fortnightly or monthly the active ingredient may be administered in a single dose or a series of doses while it is possible for the active ingredient to be administered alone.