Hairdresser.
I'm sorry you are having problems with the meds. I am also on it. I take 300mg in the morning then 600 at nite. It has really helped my nerve pain. It does make me sleepy (in fact, I just woke up from the dose I took at noon.Yes I was late). I do tend to forget things,and my short term memory isn't the best. I don't recommend not taking the meds. It is an anticonvolusive med.(don't mind my spelling, it's another thing that isn't great anymore). I haven't had much swelling from the meds, but boy does it make you want to eat sometimes. I really have to watch it. Perhaps you should let your doc know about what is going on. Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Mary