Faridkot, 21 Aug 2025 : A complete ban has been imposed in the district on Pregabalin capsules and tablets above 75 mg formulation. Deputy Commissioner Madam Poonamdeep Kaur stated that some anti-social elements were misusing this medicine as an intoxicant.
She said these orders have been issued to ensure strict compliance in order to fulfill the dream of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann of making Punjab drug-free. She further added that under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, a complete prohibition is imposed on this drug (Pregabalin above 75 mg).
As per the orders, wholesalers, retailers, chemists, medical store owners, hospital pharmacists, and any other person shall not sell Pregabalin 75 mg without a genuine prescription. In addition, sellers must also maintain proper records of capsules and tablets sold (up to 75 mg as well) and keep purchase and sale bills. On the original prescription, they must ensure details such as stamp, chemist/retailer/trade name, date of purchase, and quantity of tablets.
According to these orders, every wholesaler/retailer/chemist, medical store owner, and hospital pharmacist must also ensure that the buyer has not already purchased this medicine (Pregabalin 75 mg) earlier from another shop on the same prescription. Sellers must also make sure that medicines are not provided beyond the number of days mentioned in the prescription. These orders will remain effective till October 14, 2025.
In emergency cases, patients who genuinely require this medicine will be allowed to obtain it from the medical stores run by the District Red Cross Society, which are exempted under this order. The Secretary of Red Cross has been directed to ensure proper maintenance of records related to the sale of this medicine.
Summary:
Authorities announced a total ban on the sale and use of Pregabalin capsules and tablets above 75 mg, citing health concerns and potential misuse risks.