Compounds, compositions and methods are provided which are useful in the treatment of diseases through the inhibition of sodium ion flux through voltage-dependent sodium channels. More particularly, the invention provides substituted piperidines, and compositions containing these compounds. Also provided are methods using the compounds of the invention for the treatment of central or peripheral nervous system disorders, particularly pain and chronic pain by blocking sodium channels associated with the onset or recurrance of the indicated conditions. The compounds, compositions and methods of the present invention are of particular use for treating neuropathic or inflammatory pain by the inhibition of ion flux through a channel that includes a PN3 subunit.