New Delhi: Amid growing reports of young people abusing pregabalin due to its sedative, euphoric and dissociative effects, the Center has brought the widely prescribed pain and nerve drug under the strict Schedule H1 category, tightening rules on its sale and prescription.The Union Health Ministry amended the Drugs Rules, 1945 through the Drugs (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 to include pregabalin under Schedule H1. The final notification was issued on 13 May and published in the Gazette of India on 20 May.The ministry said the decision was taken following the seizure of illegally stockpiled and unauthorized sold supplies in some parts of the country, as well as reports from several states about the misuse of pregabalin.Pregabalin is prescribed for chronic pain, nerve disorders, fibromyalgia, and certain neurological conditions. However, authorities said recreational abuse of the drug is on the rise due to its sedative and “high”-inducing effects.Dr Rajesh Sagar, department of psychiatry, AIIMS, said abuse of pregabalin is emerging as a serious public health concern, especially among young people, as many users wrongly view it as a safe drug rather than an abuse-prone substance.She said families should keep an eye out for warning signs such as unusual sleepiness, slurred speech, dizziness, changes in behavior, decline in academic or work performance and mixing the drug with alcohol or other sedatives. Dr Sagar said bringing pregabalin under Schedule H1 will help strengthen prescription control and monitoring, but regulation alone will not be enough to prevent abuse.The revised classification means that the drug can now be sold only on a valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner. Pharmacies will also have to maintain a separate register to record prescriptions and sales details.The ministry said the move is aimed at preventing unauthorized access, strengthening prescription monitoring and curbing illicit trafficking.This amendment was made after consultation with the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB). Under the amended rules, Pregabalin has been inserted as serial number 51 under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, and the amended rules will come into force 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.