Should pregabalin be regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of India?

Pregabalin is a gabapentinoid which was initially used as an adjuvant in antiepileptic treatment for partial seizures and later gained US FDA approval for its use in neuropathic pain in 2004.1 In India, Pregabalin is not included in Schedule H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, which require strict monitoring and record-keeping of prescriptions to prevent abuse. It is also not considered a narcotic or psychotropic medication under India's NDPS Act. However, due to rising abuse, states like Telangana and Punjab have implemented prescription-only restrictions.