The invention is directed to methods of using antagonists selective for the metabotropic mGlu5 receptor to treat conditions of neuromuscular dysfunction of the lower urinary tract in a mammal. Provided are methods of treating a mammal suffering from a condition of neuromuscular dysfunction of the lower urinary tract by administering a selective mGlu5 antagonist. The selective mGlu5 antagonist may be administered alone or in combination with one or more additional therapeutic agents for treating such a condition. Also provided are methods of identifying selective mGlu5 antagonists that are useful for treating neuromuscular dysfunction of the lower urinary tract in a mammal. Methods for treating migraine and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) using selective mGlu5 antagonists are also disclosed.
