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Pregabalin Now Under Stricter Schedule H1 Rules

  • 23 May 2026

In May 2026, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) notified the inclusion of drug ‘Pregabalin’ under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945 through a Gazette notification aimed at strengthening regulation of the drug’s sale and distribution.

Key Points

  • The move aimed to prevent misuse, illegal sale and unauthorised access to the medicine.
  • The notification was issued through Gazette Notification G.S.R. 377(E) dated 13th May 2026 and published in the Gazette of India on 20th May 2026.
  • The ministry stated that several states had reported growing misuse and abuse of Pregabalin, particularly among young people.
  • The drug is commonly prescribed for chronic pain, neuropathies, fibromyalgia and certain neurological disorders.
  • Authorities reported that the medicine was being misused for its sedative, euphoric and dissociative effects.