HT impact: Delhi govt starts crackdown on over-the-counter sale of ‘trance drug' Pregabalin
The Delhi government's drug control department has started inspecting pharmacies to check illegal over-the-counter sale of Pregabalin, a prescription medication meant to treat anxiety, epilepsy and nerve pain, which is being abused by addicts as a 'trance drug'. Officials said that they will issue a notice for the suspension of the licences of errant facilities.
The action comes days after HT, in these columns on August 8, detailed the abuse of the drug in a report titled 'Pregabalin: 'Trance' drug sold freely in Capital fuels rising addiction among youth'. The HT investigation found that the drug was readily available without a prescription at multiple Jan Aushadhi Kendras and private pharmacies, despite being a scheduled drug that should only be dispensed with a doctor's note.
A senior official from the drug control department, who did not wish to be named, said, 'In the past few days, the department has deployed teams to conduct a series of inspections at multiple Jan Aushadhi Kendras and private pharmacies. Until now, 23 pharmacies have been inspected in the city. During our inspections, we found that some private pharmacies and Jan Aushadhi Kendras were selling the drug without a prescription. Such incidents were more commonly found in Munirka area.'
Pregabalin, marketed under brand names such as Lyrica, Alzain, and Axalid, is meant to be dispensed only with a doctor's prescription. HT reported it was able to buy multiple dosages of the drug (75mg, 150mg, and 300mg) without so much as a question at five Jan Aushadhi outlets, in Munirka, CR Park, Alaknanda, Govindpuri, and Zakir Bagh. Ten-tablet strips cost as little as ₹30 at these subsidised pharmacies, set up under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which is meant to offer affordable generic medicines to the public.
The official cited above said, 'Some inspections are still underway. Once these are completed, pharmacies found guilty of misconduct will be issued licence suspension notices.'
Over the next few days, the department will also issue an advisory to raise awareness about Pregabalin abuse, the official said. 'At present, many pharmacies are selling the drug without fully understanding how it is being misused by young people. Awareness will help sellers play a role in curbing the menace.'
The official, however, acknowledged challenges in checking its sales. 'We are aware that Pregabalin misuse is a growing concern. Punjab, in particular, has faced serious abuse of this drug among young people. But since Pregabalin is not yet listed under Schedule H1, it is much harder to regulate its sale.'
The official said that last year, the Punjab government formally wrote to the Centre requesting that Pregabalin be included in the Schedule H1 list of drugs, a classification that would require pharmacists to maintain sale records and dispense it only with a doctor's prescription.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
7 everyday parenting habits that improve your child's mental well-being
7 parenting habits that secretly boost your child's mental health every day (Image: iStock) Even though parenting is a unique ritual, which is specific to each family with influences from personal to social to familial learnings, few learnings remain common and can be mimicked by the vast majority of parents to ensure inculcation of healthy habits in their children. According to a 2024 study, Routines and child development: A systematic review (Selman, Journal of Family Theory & Review ), consistent home routines like mealtimes and bedtime rituals are linked to fewer internalising problems (e.g., anxiety, depression), reduced externalising behaviours and even lower ADHD symptoms. Longitudinal evidence shows 'bedtime routines at age 3 predict decreased anxious, depressed, withdrawn and aggressive behaviors at age 5.' A study in Infant Behavior & Development tracked over 2,900 children and found that "children with consistent early bedtime routines were better able to regulate their emotions at age three" and that this improved emotional regulation mediated positive behavioural outcomes in fifth grade. A 1997 study by Gottman, Katz and Hooven, Parental meta-emotion philosophy, found that parents who understand and guide children's emotions ('emotion coaching') help them develop self-regulation, attention, emotional bonds and adaptability. As Gottman asserted, 'There is evidence that parents' interaction with the child has implications for the child's ability to self-regulate, focus attention, share intersubjective meaning and be able to interact with a changing environment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Benefits of Trading Bitcoin CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo ' In an interview with TOI, Dr Kushal Agrawal, HOD - Department of Neonatology and Paediatrics at KVR Hospital in Kashipur, suggested seven tips to meaningfully support your child's mental health and emotional growth - Encourage open emotional communication Daily parenting habits that are scientifically proven to boost kids' well-being (Image: iStock) Openly sharing emotions is one of the most effective methods to develop resilience. When children can recognise and name their emotions, they are better able to manage them. Tip: Create a safe, judgment-free space at home where your child can talk about both positive and challenging feelings. Just make sure that you impress upon the child that it is OKAY to share everything. Teach problem-solving skills According to research, children who learn problem-solving skills at a young age we can boost their feeling of autonomy and resilience. Tip: When your youngster encounters a problem, avoid rushing in to solve it. Motivate your kid to at least attempt to solve it on their own. Demonstrating resilience in everyday life Children generally learn through observation, particularly from their parents. Keeping a calm and positive attitude when facing your own struggles can have a significant impact on your child's capacity to cope with stress. Tip: Though it is okay for your kid to share their feelings, you don't need to share your frustrations and insecurities in details as they have to learn resilience from you. Practice mindfulness together Mindfulness has been demonstrated to alleviate anxiety and improve emotional regulation in youngsters. Mindfulness enables children to focus on the present moment, which allows them to better manage overwhelming emotions and feelings. Tip: Try easy mindfulness exercises as a family. Share everyday moments of thankfulness or practice deep breathing together. Establish strong social connections Parenting reset: Daily habits that transform your child's mental well-being (Image: iStock) Supportive relationships with family, friends and trusted adults are essential for over all development. Tip: Arrange playdates, join community groups, or enrol your child in team sports or clubs. These activities create opportunities for kids to learn how to work in groups. Encourage positive self-talk Children gain immensely from learning how to replace negative thoughts with positive self-affirmation. According to studies, youngsters who use positive self-talk feel more confident and are less likely to experience self-doubt. Tip: Encourage them to repeat positive affirmations in front of mirror everyday at set time, say while brushing Promote physical health for emotional strength Regular physical activity has been related to a better mood, less stress, and increased resilience. Physical activity gives a productive outlet for energy, promotes general health, and improves mental well-being. Tip: Plan family activities like walking, biking, or playing sports. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities they enjoy, which can become a positive coping mechanism for managing stress. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes, messages , and quotes !
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
State to immunise 6 lakh children in ashramshalas, madarsas against measles
Pune: The measles outbreak in different parts of the state has prompted the Public Health Department of Maharashtra to conduct mass immunisation of more than six lakh children in ashramshalas and madarsas, against the virus, said health officials. Dehradun: Over 32 lakh children will be immunized free of cost under a special Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in Uttarakhand/Pic by Vinay Santosh Kumar/HT Photo (PIC FOR REPRESENTATION) According to the officials, the Public Health department has decided to conduct a special vaccination drive in Maharashtra for administering an additional dose of vaccine against measles following the outbreaks in Jalgaon, Nashik and Dhule. The proposal for the same has been given to the government. The standard measles vaccination guidelines typically target children upto five years old. However, the state health department has decided to conduct vaccination of students in the ashramshalas and madarsas, all aged between 6-15 years, said the officials. The department reported the first measles outbreak in the last week of July 2025 in Jalgaon district. The outbreak was reported in an ashramshala, in which 69 students out of 450 were admitted. Following the outbreak, parents of the remaining 381 students took them back home, and the protocols to isolate them and treat infection were reportedly not followed. Most children in the ashramshala are residents of Dhule, Nandurbar and Jalgaon and bordering areas of Madhya Pradesh, said the officials. The health department last week reported another measles outbreak in another ashramshala in Dhule district, and officials visited the ashramshala to take stock of the situation. The latest measles outbreak has been reported in Sinnar tehsil of Nashik among children, said the officials. Dr Sandeep Sangale, joint director of health services, said, 'Routine measles immunisation is usually done for children under five. But after these outbreaks, we will vaccinate children up to 15 years in ashramshalas and madarsas. In outbreak areas, we will also conduct Outbreak Response Immunisation in the wider community.' The department has intensified surveillance in talukas and villages where the infected students resided and returned to ashramshalas. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes rashes and flu-like symptoms. It spreads through respiratory droplets and can be serious, even deadly, in young children and those with weakened immune system. Dr Pravin Vedpathak, assistant director of state family welfare department, in charge of routine immunisation, said, 'We are also checking the status of the children who were reportedly infected with measles. We have decided to get over 95% coverage of Measles-Rubella vaccine in the state. The required isolation and medical treatment was provided to the infected children and all children are stable, and most of them have been discharged. Besides, surveillance has been started in these areas.'
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
8 new parenting approaches when traditional methods fail
Parenting is not something that you are born with; it is a skill that you learn over time. You will make mistakes sometimes and that does not make you a terrible parent. Children are inquisitive and are constantly bombarded with new concepts all the time that can affect them. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Their behaviours and attitudes will change over time, just as yours have. Instead of attempting to fix all the problems at once, focus on areas that need the most effort. A 2025 position paper by Cornell University, Moving Beyond Parental Control toward Community-based Approaches to Adolescent Online Safety, argues that traditional surveillance models are limited, advocating for community-driven frameworks that empower teens securely while fostering autonomy. This should be encouraged because as kids gain more independence, shared responsibility (instead of sole parental control) better supports safe and respectful behaviour. If your child frequently sees you and your partner communicate ineffectively and resort to fights, they might think that there is no space to express their own feelings and problems. This can cause them to minimise or ignore their feelings from you and experience pent-up is extremely important to teach your child healthy ways of coping with negative emotions and emphasise the space for venting their problems. The best way to do this is to practice this in your own relationship and set a good example for your child. When verbal approaches fail, play can gently rebuild connection and trust in parent-child relationships. Studies in Australia and Ireland demonstrate improved parental self-efficacy and child behaviour following structured play therapies like clowning, symbolic play or non-directive 'Attachment Play' that are designed to strengthen attachment and resolve behavioural issues. Dr. Aletha Solter's methods, grounded in attachment theory, have been shown to: Reduce aggression Increase cooperation Improve emotional expression Dr. Juli Fraga, a psychologist, challenges common parenting lies that may harm children's emotional well-being. (Image: iStock) In an interview with TOI, Dr Priyanka Sarkar, Head of Department at Satyam School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Noida, suggested eight new parenting approaches when traditional methods fail our children - 1. Make them realise, "You matter to me and your feelings matter to me" Encourage bonding on an emotional level by making your child realise that everyone is prone to making mistakes. Make them realise that they are loved as a person but there may be variance with what they do. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This enhances self-esteem and trust. 2. Say, "Trust me, I'm here to listen" Create a judgment-free environment in which your child feels heard. Make time at least twice a week for uninterrupted conversation, listening carefully and being interested. 3. Make communication a priority Use open-ended questions to elicit fuller sharing. Don't make assumptions and listen without judgment. Being respectful and affirming their emotions deepens your connection. 4. Let your child know that it is perfectly okay to feel how they feel Let your child understand that any feeling — fear, anger, joy or sadness—is acceptable. Try to see things from their perspective and be realistic. 5. Be a good role model Kids learn from what parents do. Be patient, honest and kind, even during difficult times. Your behaviour will determine how they deal with the world. 6. Foster problem-solving When your child is faced with a dilemma, don't jump to offer solutions immediately. Rather, guide them through considering options and consequences. This builds confidence and decision-making skills. 7. Express your own feelings inappropriately By speaking positively about your own feelings — whether frustration, excitement or sadness — you demonstrate to your child that it is all right to talk about feelings. This normalises emotional expression. 8. Respect their voice Acknowledge and compliment them when they express their opinions, even when you disagree. This teaches them to continue expressing themselves freely since they feel heard. Parenting is not perfection — it is presence. By listening without judgment, validating feelings and demonstrating the behaviour you would like to see, you create a safe space in which your child will feel heard and respected. Remember, it is not about having a well-behaved child but having a confident child who feels safe enough to talk to you.
