Hi and Welcome amb97,
Neurotin works well for a lot of us, but the weight gain is definetly a negative.
I'm like Dew, my weight gain was 60 lbs. over a 5-6 year period. Neurotin worked well for me, it was the only thing that stopped completely my electric jolts, jerk, spasms throughout my body every day and at night. They were violent going thru my brain and raising my head off the pillow in a dead sleep. I was on 3200 mg. I decided to go off it, and so my Dr. had me go off very gradually. Lost 30 lbs. in 6 months. Am now on my 2nd 30 lbs. BUT, two days ago started getting the jerks, spasms back. I don't want to go back on, but my health is more important. So, I will tell my Dr. and go from there. He is very qualified,, so I trust him. I'm also on Cymbalta, Hydrocodone, 2 blood pressure pills, sleeping pill, anti=anxiety med, I also know that weight gain is damaging to our health, and I feel so much better with half the weight lost. Have been able to drop one of the blood pressure meds. I was triple dose on one and double dose on the other. Now am on double dose of both. Dr. feels when the rest of the weight comes off, I can drop at least one of the meds. I, like you and Dew, had been very active before RSD.
As with a lot of meds, there are positives and negatives. Could you increase your exercise. With 5 children, it must be a struggle to work in exercise. Could you buy a used walker? I have an eliptical and plan on getting into a schedule of a few minutes a day. I also swim, which is easy on the body.
Thank you for your information on primrose oil and the sleep aid. Hope you have a low pain day. Again, welcome, we are happy to have you join in. Take care, loretta