Govt. moves Pregabalin to Schedule H1 following reports of drug abuse

Key points

• Pregabalin has been included under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, vide a Gazette Notification, according to information released by the Union Health Ministry on Friday (May 22, 2026).
• The move comes following reports received from various States regarding the misuse and abuse of the drug, particularly among youth.
• The drug, which is prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain, neuropathies, fibromyalgia, and certain neurological conditions, has reportedly been misused for its sedative, euphoric, and dissociative effects.
• Recent seizures of illegally stocked and sold Pregabalin have been reported from some parts of the country.
• With this notification, Pregabalin will now be regulated under the stricter provisions of Schedule H1, instead of the existing Schedule H, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The H1 prescription drug comes with caution that it is dangerous to take this preparation except in accordance with the medical advice and that it cannot be...