The present invention provides methods for reducing pain in a subject in need thereof by delivering a volatile anesthetic in a solution or an emulsion that can additionally include an extractive solvent in an amount effective to reduce pain without substantially interfering with motor function. Chronic or acute pain may be treated, or the volatile anesthetic may be delivered as a regional anesthetic to a subject to anesthetize a portion of the subject prior to surgery. Dosing regimes including a one-time administration, continuous and/or periodic administration are contemplated.
