Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 22: The Union Health Ministry has brought pregabalin, a medicine commonly used for treating chronic pain and neurological disorders, under the stricter Schedule H1 category following reports of its misuse and abuse, particularly among youth.

The ministry issued a gazette notification on May 20 amending the Drugs Rules, 1945, to include pregabalin under Schedule H1.

According to the ministry, the decision was taken after several states reported increasing misuse of the drug, which is prescribed for conditions such as neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and other neurological disorders.

Officials said pregabalin has reportedly been abused for its sedative, euphoric and dissociative effects. Authorities have also detected illegal stocking and unauthorised sales of the medicine in various parts of the country.

Earlier, pregabalin was regulated under Schedule H of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.

With the revised classification, the medicine can now be sold only on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.

The ministry said retailers will be required to maintain a separate register containing details of prescriptions and sales of the drug.

Manufacturers have also been directed to prominently display the mandatory ‘Schedule H1 Drug Warning’ label on product packaging as part of the stricter regulatory measures aimed at preventing misuse.