The Union Health Ministry brings pregabalin, a medicine prescribed for chronic pain and certain neurological conditions, under the stricter Schedule H1 of India’s Drugs Rules, 1945. The ministry makes the change through a gazette notification dated May 20, citing reports from states about misuse and abuse of the drug, particularly among young people. Officials say the decision is motivated by concerns that pregabalin is being used for its sedative, euphoric and dissociative effects rather than for its intended medical purposes.
Both reports describe pregabalin as a drug used to treat conditions including chronic pain, neuropathies and fibromyalgia, as well as other neurological disorders. The ministry also refers to instances such as seizures of illegal stocks and reports of sales outside regulated channels in parts of the country. Previously, pregabalin was regulated under Schedule H under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. With the revised classification, the drug’s sale is restricted to prescriptions under the Schedule H1 framework, with additional controls intended to curb misuse.
