Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:510. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health if she will make pregabalin a controlled substance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40994/23]
View answerTuesday, 26 September 2023
Questions (510)
Written answers
Pregabalin is a prescription drug used to manage a number of long-term conditions, including epilepsy, neuropathic pain and generalised anxiety disorder. Under the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 (SI 540/2003) it is a Schedule A product subject to prescription which may not be renewed. On its website HSE has advice on the appropriate prescribing of pregabalin while in September 2019 the Irish Medical Council advise all doctors prescribing pregabalin to follow best practice guidelines and to only prescribe when absolutely required. Given the prescription controls in place and the professional prescribing advice offered by both the HSE and the Irish Medical Council there are no current plans to control pregabalin under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.