Gurdaspur (Punjab): In a significant move to curb the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs, the Gurdaspur district administration has imposed a strict ban on the open sale of Pregabalin-based medicines, especially those with higher dosages. The order was issued by Additional District Magistrate Dr. Harjinder Singh Bedi, IAS, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (B.N.S.S.), 2023.
Pregabalin, though not categorized as a narcotic or psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, has witnessed a surge in misuse, prompting authorities to act decisively.
What is Pregabalin?
Pregabalin is a prescription drug commonly used to treat neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders. It works by calming overactive nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It is often prescribed in 75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg doses, usually by neurologists and orthopedic specialists.
However, higher doses—particularly 150 mg and 300 mg—have recently been misused as recreational drugs, leading to rising addiction among youth and vulnerable populations in Punjab.
Order Highlights
Dr. Bedi’s order imposes the following restrictions:
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Complete ban on the open sale and stocking of Pregabalin tablets/capsules above 75 mg.
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Retailers, wholesalers, chemists, and pharmacy operators (including hospital pharmacies) are prohibited from selling any Pregabalin product without a valid doctor’s prescription.
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Even 75 mg doses must be sold strictly against authenticated prescriptions with full records.
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Sellers are required to verify prescriptions to ensure the exact number of tablets dispensed matches the doctor’s instructions.
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Every transaction must be recorded in detail, including patient name, prescription copy, quantity sold, and prescribing doctor details.
This order has come into immediate effect and violators may face legal and penal action, including cancellation of licenses under drug control laws and relevant provisions of the B.N.S.S. 2023.
Rising Concern Over Drug Abuse
According to the ADM, “Multiple reports from the medical and law enforcement community have highlighted how Pregabalin, particularly 150 mg and 300 mg capsules, is being misused by individuals for intoxication.”
“These dosages are being consumed not for medicinal relief but for achieving psychoactive effects, leading to dependency and even medical emergencies,” said Dr. Bedi.
He added that licensed medical experts usually recommend only 75 mg of Pregabalin, making the sale of higher-dose formulations without monitoring both risky and irresponsible.
Medical Stores Under Scrutiny
With this order in place, all medical shops, distributors, and hospitals in the district have been directed to audit their existing Pregabalin stock and ensure compliance with the new restrictions.
Regular inspections will now be conducted by the Drug Control Department and local police teams to verify inventory, sale records, and prescription logs. Any discrepancy could lead to prosecution under drug control and public safety laws.
A Step Toward Public Safety
The move is being seen as part of a larger effort by the Punjab administration to curb synthetic drug misuse, especially in districts like Gurdaspur that are border-sensitive and vulnerable to narcotics trafficking.
Public health experts and civil society organizations have long raised concerns over the easily available pharmaceutical drugs being diverted for addiction purposes. Pregabalin, due to its sedative and euphoric effects in high doses, has found its way into illegal drug markets and is often sold in black at inflated prices.
This decision aligns with Punjab’s ongoing battle against drug abuse, overdose deaths, and unregulated medical distribution chains.
Public and Medical Community Reactions
Local doctors and pharmacists have largely welcomed the decision, stating that the monitoring of Pregabalin sales is overdue.
Dr. Amanjot Kaur, a neurologist based in Gurdaspur, said, “We have been prescribing 75 mg doses for patients with nerve pain. But we’ve also noticed that patients often come requesting higher doses without medical justification. This move will help us reinstate prescription discipline.”
Some pharmacists, however, expressed concern about the implementation burden, especially the requirement for maintaining manual prescription logs and facing inspection checks. Authorities have assured that digital prescription verification mechanisms will be rolled out soon to ease compliance.
Summary of Key Restrictions:
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Open sale of Pregabalin above 75 mg is now banned in Gurdaspur
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Even 75 mg dose requires mandatory prescription and record-keeping
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Strict inspection and legal action to be taken against violators
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Order issued under BNS 2023, Section 163 by ADM Dr. Harjinder Singh Bedi
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Part of state effort to tackle growing pharmaceutical drug abuse
