Is Pregabalin legal in United Kingdom?
- Legal status
- Pregabalin (Lyrica) is a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and sits in Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, in force since 1 April 2019 on ACMD advice about diversion and dependence; the UK is one of the few places that controls BOTH gabapentinoids equally, gabapentin having been scheduled at the same time.
- Consequences if caught
- Possession without a prescription can carry up to 2 years plus a fine; supply or production up to 14 years and an unlimited fine (Class C).
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed as a Schedule 3 controlled medicine; prescriptions must be signed by the prescriber and dispensed within 28 days, but pregabalin is exempt from safe-custody and CD-register requirements.
- Documentation
- Carry it in original packaging with the original prescription or a doctor's letter; a personal import/export licence is advisable above a 3-month supply.
Court records
We have applied to The National Archives for the licence required to analyse Find Case Law records, and will publish outcomes once it is determined.
Source checked Find Case Law, The National Archives · 2026-08-26
Pregabalin in related jurisdictions
Other substances confirmed in United Kingdom
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with United Kingdom’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
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