Pregabalin to face stricter regulations from November 12
The drug will be moved to Schedule H1, prohibiting over-the-counter sales and requiring valid prescriptions.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will implement stricter controls on Pregabalin starting November 12. The drug will be moved from Schedule H to Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, according to a notification issued on May 13, 2026.
Under the new rules, chemists cannot sell the medicine over-the-counter. They may only dispense it if a registered medical practitioner provides a valid prescription. Retailers must also keep a dedicated logbook documenting the patient, the doctor, and the specific medicine provided.
The Union Health Ministry stated the decision follows reports of misuse and abuse, especially among youth, and the seizure of illegal supplies. The drug is used for chronic and neuropathic pain, but has been flagged for its sedative and dissociative effects.
The Punjab government has sought these regulations since October 2023. In April 2025, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh wrote to Union Health Minister J P Nadda to flag the addictive potential of the drug.
The move follows the October 13 death of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Jhota was allegedly shot by a chemist he had confronted regarding the sale of addictive medicines.
The Punjab Chemist Association had halted Pregabalin sales and planned to return stock to distributors. Ropar district unit president Sudarshan Chaudhary alleged that raids by officials and police were targeting legitimate chemists.