Just days ago,  another new/old drug was approved by the FDA.

Gralise is a long acting form of the tried and true drug Gabapantin (aka Neurontin).  Its structure is similar to that of the neurotransmitter GABA.  This new long acting form of the medicine means that capsules need only be taken once daily instead of multiple doses split throughout the day.  For those sensitive to the medicine, this may mean a more steady delivery of the drug, reducing the spikes that can occur when taking more frequent dosing, and hopefully fewer side effects.

Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic drug used for partial-onset seizures.  This means it works by altering how the brain's electrical system works.  This is how it helps those with epilepsy.  While gabapentin has been approved for use in epilepsy, gabapentin in this form (Gralise) has only been approved thus far for use in post-herpetic neuralgia.  Because of its action on the brain, gabapentin is often used off-label as an alternative to opiates and for many other conditions for which it has not yet been approved including:

Multiple Sclerosis associated dysthesias
Neuralgia and neuropathy
Nerve pain
Shingles
Migraines
Chronic pain
Fibromyalgia
Mood and/or anxiety disorders
Drug/alcohol withdrawal
Hiccups
RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome)

WARNING: Gabapentin works with the chemicals in our brains, and as such should never be stopped without consulting a physician for appropriate instructions on titrating the dosage down slowly.  Serious adverse events can occur if this is not done appropriately.

Unfortunately, there are reports of abuse of gabapentin.  As a result it is controlled carefully by most doctors.

Personal note:  An infrequent side effect of gabapentin can be aphasia.  Aphasia is the inability to process communication appropriately.  When this happens, you may not be able to speak or understand language or numbers.  I have used gabapentin in the past and did experience aphasia and kidney stones while on the medicine.  We cannot prove that either were caused by gabapentin, but the medicine was withdrawn and symptoms seemed to subside as well.  Aphasia was never mentioned to me as a potential side effect of this medicine in all the years I took it or its cousin Lyrica, and my aphasia was blamed on my Migraine issues.  Because the connection was never made, I continued to take the medicine and suffered to the point I had to quit my job as an emergency dispatcher.  Aphasia can be part of the neurological symptoms an MS patient may discover, and I think this is important for patients to be aware of as a result.  Sometimes a new symptom isn't the disease, but a problem with medication. 

For more information on side effects and adverse reactions http://bit.ly/hDBHEv