Gurdaspur,11 July 2025 : To curb the misuse of Pregabalin-based medicine, which is not currently classified as a narcotic or psychotropic substance, a ban has been imposed on its open sale. According to the order, it is now mandatory to maintain complete records and sell this medicine only with a doctor’s prescription.
Additional District Magistrate of Gurdaspur, Dr. Harjinder Singh Bedi (IAS), stated in his orders that there have been increasing reports of public misuse of Pregabalin capsules/tablets in 150mg and 300mg doses. Many individuals are becoming addicted to this formulation, even though it is rarely prescribed by doctors. Neurologists and orthopaedic specialists typically only prescribe 75mg doses of Pregabalin.
Invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Dr. Bedi has ordered that storage and sale of Pregabalin capsules/tablets above 75mg will be completely prohibited.
Wholesale and retail sellers, chemists/medical store owners, hospital pharmacies, or any other individuals are now strictly prohibited from selling Pregabalin 75mg without a valid prescription. In addition, accurate records must be maintained for the purchase and sale of even 75mg doses.
All sellers must carefully verify the prescription slips to ensure that the quantity of capsules/tablets sold does not exceed the dosage prescribed.
These orders will remain in effect from July 5, 2025, to October 4, 2025.
Summary:
The ADM has prohibited the sale, storage, and open distribution of pregabalin capsules/tablets over 75 mg without a doctor’s prescription under Section 163. Vendors must maintain detailed sale records; the ban aims to curb escalating misuse and abuse.