The Union Health Ministry has tightened regulatory control over Pregabalin, a commonly prescribed drug for neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and neurological disorders, following increasing reports of misuse among young individuals. Through the Drugs (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, the Centre has classified Pregabalin under the stricter Schedule H1 category of the Drugs Rules, 1945. The final notification was issued on May 13 and published in the Gazette of India on May 20. Health authorities stated that the decision was prompted by reports from multiple states regarding recreational abuse, illegal stocking, and unauthorised sale of Pregabalin.
The drug has reportedly been misused for its sedative, euphoric, and dissociative effects, raising concerns about substance dependence and unsafe consumption practices among youth. According to Dr. Rajesh Sagar from the psychiatry department at All…
