Tighter controls imposed on Pregabalin sale, distribution amid abuse concerns

Pregabalin is commonly prescribed for chronic pain, neuropathies, fibromyalgia, and certain neurological conditions

Published on: May 22, 2026, 11:37:17 IST

By Ridhima Gupta

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The Union health ministry on Friday brought the widely prescribed drug Pregabalin under the stricter Schedule H1 category of the Drugs Rules, 1945, imposing tighter controls on its sale and distribution amid growing concerns over its misuse and abuse, particularly among youth.

The government highlighted the increasing misuse of the drug for its sedative, euphoric, and dissociative effects. (HT PHOTO/Representative)

Pregabalin, commonly prescribed for chronic pain, neuropathies, fibromyalgia, and certain neurological conditions, was earlier regulated under Schedule H.

The ministry cited reports from states and said they highlighted the increasing misuse of the drug for its sedative, euphoric, and dissociative effects. Authorities have reported seizures of illegally stocked and unauthorised sale of Pregabalin from parts of the country.

In a gazette notification, the ministry said Pregabalin can now be sold only after a registered medical practitioner’s prescription. Retail chemists will be required to maintain a separate register recording details of prescriptions and sales of the drug.

The ministry has directed manufacturers to prominently display the mandatory “Schedule H1 Drug Warning” label on product packaging, saying the medicine should not be taken except under medical advice and cannot be sold without a prescription.

It said violations and non-compliance with the new provisions would attract penal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and related rules.

The health ministry advised manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and pharmacists to ensure strict compliance with the notification.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ridhima Gupta
Ridhima Gupta is a Principal Correspondent at Hindustan Times, where she covers healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and public health policy. Her reporting centers on Delhi’s major hospitals (AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lok Nayak), the state health department, and emerging medical trends. Ridhima is particularly interested in reporting on healthcare issues through the lens of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Her work often explores the intersection of healthcare and public policy, examining how these factors shape access health care. Based in New Delhi, many of her reports have led to direct government action over the years, in different city. Earlier this year, she completed a media training workshop on the Impact of Extreme Heat on Health, organised by the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), further strengthening her interest in reporting on the intersection of climate change and public health. A postgraduate from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Ridhima has around a decade of experience in journalism. She began her career as a trainee television reporter with Mirror Now in Mumbai and has since worked across multiple cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi, contributing to both print and broadcast newsrooms. She is a recipient of the Laadli Media Fellowship (2022) for her reporting on education, disability, and women’s issues. Before joining Hindustan Times, Ridhima worked with The Times of India, New Indian Express and News18. A native of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Ridhima completed her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology. And when she is not working as a journalist she likes to paint and go on nature hikes.Read More

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