The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating neuropathic pain and neuropsychiatric disorders by administering agents that are effective in reducing the effective amount, inactivating, and/or inhibiting the activity of a Na.sup.+--K.sup.+-2Cl.sup.- (NKCC) cotransporter. In certain embodiments, the Na.sup.+--K.sup.+-2Cl.sup.- co-transporter is NKCC1.