The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today notified the inclusion of the drug “Pregabalin” under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, to strictly regulate the painkiller amid rising concerns over its misuse and abuse, particularly among youth.Pregabalin, sold under the brand names Axalid and Lyrica, is a prescription medication used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic (nerve) pain, fibromyalgia, and generalized anxiety disorder. It was earlier regulated under Schedule H.The ministry noted that the drug has reportedly been misused for its sedative, euphoric, and dissociative effects. Authorities have reported seizures of illegally stocked and unauthorized sale of Pregabalin from parts of the country.Thus, the move to add it to Schedule H1 aims to:Curb easy accessEnhance prescription monitoringStrengthen supply chain accountabilitySafeguard public healthIn a gazette notification, the ministry said Pregabalin can now be sold only after a registered medical practitioner’s prescription.The revised classification mandates that:Retailers must maintain a separate register recording details of prescriptions and salesManufacturers shall prominently display the prescribed “Schedule H1 Drug Warning” label on product packagingViolations and non-compliance will attract penal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Rules thereunderAll stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and pharmacists, are advised to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the notification.Also read: India Cracks Down On Injectable Cosmetic Procedures In Beauty ClinicsCan Pregabalin Cause Heart Failure?A 2025 study led by researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center linked Pregabalin with a surprisingly large increase in the risk of heart failure among older patients with known heart disease.The study found that Pregabalin was associated with a 48 per cent higher risk of developing heart failure.For patients with an existing history of heart disease, the risk jumped to 85 per cent. In absolute terms, the researchers estimated around six additional cases of heart failure per 1,000 people taking Pregabalin each year, compared to those not on the drug.What Should Patients Do? Like all medicines, Pregabalin carries side effects. Common ones include headaches, nausea, diarrhoea, blurred vision, and memory issues. Rarely, it can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.If you take Pregabalin, do not stop it suddenly. Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal-like symptoms. Instead, book an appointment with your GP or specialist to discuss the risks and benefits in your specific case.If you have a history of heart disease, a heart condition, or new symptoms such as increased breathlessness, persistent swelling, or faintness, mention them promptly.Pregabalin helps many people with otherwise disabling nerve pain, but like any tool, it must be used with care and attention to context. For older adults and those with heart disease, a conversation with a clinician could be the difference between control and complication.Earlier this week, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation tightened rules around cosmetic use, amid growing concerns that injectable aesthetic procedures are gaining popularity as “cosmetic” treatments in beauty clinics and wellness centers across the country.In a new public notice issued this week, the CDSCO stated that cosmetic products that come in injectable form do not fall under the definition of cosmetics under the law. It said that such products are not permitted for use by consumers, professionals, or aesthetic clinics.