Controlled Substance Laws

Schedule I (C-I) Definition

Drugs with high abuse potential and NO accepted medical use in the US

Schedule I (C-I) Examples

Heroin | LSD | Marijuana | Ecstasy (MDMA)

Schedule II (C-II) Definition

High abuse potential leading to severe psychological or physical dependence but HAS accepted medical uses

Schedule II (C-II) Examples

Oxycodone (OxyContin) | Hydrocodone (Vicodin) | Fentanyl | Methylphenidate (Ritalin) | Adderall

Schedule II (C-II) Prescription Rules

No refills allowed | Emergency oral fills require a hard copy within 7 days | Valid for up to 90 days depending on state

Schedule III (C-III) Definition

Moderate-to-low abuse potential compared to C-II drugs | Moderate physical or high psychological dependence risk

Schedule III (C-III) Examples

Tylenol with Codeine | Ketamine | Anabolic Steroids | Testosterone

Schedule IV (C-IV) Definition

Low abuse potential and low risk of dependence relative to C-III drugs

Schedule IV (C-IV) Examples

Alprazolam (Xanax) | Clonazepam (Klonopin) | Zolpidem (Ambien) | Tramadol (Ultram) | Diazepam (Valium)

Schedule III & IV Refill Rules

Maximum of 5 refills allowed within 6 months from the date written

Schedule V (C-V) Definition

Lowest abuse potential of all controlled substances | Consists primarily of preparations containing limited quantities of narcotics

Schedule V (C-V) Examples

Cough syrups with Codeine (Robitussin AC) | Pregabalin (Lyrica) | Lomotil (Diphenoxylate/Atropine)

Schedule V (C-V) Refill Rules

Can be refilled up to 1 year from date written depending on state law

DEA Form 222

Used for ordering | returning | or transferring Schedule II (C-II) controlled substances

DEA Form 41

Used to report the destruction or disposal of controlled substances

DEA Form 106

Used to report the theft or significant loss of controlled substances

Controlled Substance Inventory Requirement

A complete physical inventory of all controlled substances must be taken at least every 2 years (biennially)

DEA Number Verification Step 1

Add the 1st | 3rd | and 5th digits together

DEA Number Verification Step 2

Add the 2nd | 4th | and 6th digits together | then multiply that sum by 2

DEA Number Verification Step 3

Add the results of Step 1 and Step 2 together | The last digit of this total must match the 9th digit of the DEA number