Is Pregabalin legal in New Zealand?
- Legal status
- Pregabalin is a prescription medicine under the Medicines Act 1981 and is NOT a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 — the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs considered scheduling it on 15 October 2019 and decided against, leaving it (like gabapentin) an ordinary prescription medicine.
- Consequences if caught
- Supply without a prescription is a medicines-law offence; pregabalin is not subject to Misuse of Drugs Act controlled-drug penalties.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed and dispensed as an ordinary prescription medicine.
- Documentation
- Carry a personal supply with a prescription or doctor's letter in original packaging; standard prescription-medicine import rules apply.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with New Zealand’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →