The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified the inclusion of the drug “Pregabalin” under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945 vide Gazette Notification G.S.R. 377(E) dated 13th May 2026, published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary on 20th May 2026.
The decision has been taken in view of reports received from certain States regarding the misuse and abuse of Pregabalin, 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 unauthorisedly sold Pregabalin have also 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.
