DEA Schedule Classification System

What determines a drug's DEA schedule?

Its potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and likelihood of causing dependence.

Which DEA schedule has the highest abuse potential?

Schedule I (C-I)

Which DEA schedule has the lowest abuse potential?

Schedule V (C-V)

Which schedule has no accepted medical use in the U.S.?

Schedule I (C-I)

Which schedules have accepted medical uses?

Schedules II-V

What are the characteristics of Schedule I drugs?

Highest abuse potential, no accepted medical use, severe dependence risk.

Can Schedule I drugs be prescribed?

No

Why are Schedule I drugs available?

Research only with special DEA authorization.

Name five Schedule I drugs.

Heroin, LSD, marijuana (federally), MDMA (Ecstasy), peyote.

Which schedule has the harshest penalties for illegal possession?

Schedule I

What characterizes Schedule II drugs?

High abuse potential with accepted medical use.

Are refills allowed for Schedule II prescriptions?

No

What is required each time a Schedule II medication is needed?

A new prescription

Can pharmacists change the quantity or duration of a Schedule II prescription?

No

Are emergency Schedule II dispensings allowed?

Yes, with follow-up requirements

What is the usual maximum supply for Schedule II prescriptions?

90 days (varies by state).

Name four Schedule II opioid medications

Morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone

Name three Schedule II stimulants.

Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse

Which Schedule II drug is used as a topical anesthetic?

Cocaine

Can oxycodone or Adderall prescriptions be refilled?

No. A new prescription is required.

What is the abuse potential of Schedule III drugs?

Moderate to low.

How many refills are allowed for Schedule III drugs?

Up to 5 refills within 6 months.

Can Schedule III prescriptions be called in?

Yes

Name four Schedule III drugs

Buprenorphine, ketamine, testosterone, Tylenol #3

Which Schedule III medication treats opioid use disorder?

Buprenorphine

What is the abuse potential of Schedule IV drugs?

Low

How many refills are allowed for Schedule IV drugs?

Up to 5 refills within 6 months.

Name four benzodiazepines in Schedule IV.

Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin.

Name three Schedule IV sleep medications.

Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata.

Which pain medication became Schedule IV in 2014?

Tramadol.

Which Schedule IV medication is commonly used to treat seizures?

Phenobarbital.

Which schedule has the lowest abuse potential?

Schedule V

Can some Schedule V drugs be sold without a prescription in certain states?

Yes, under pharmacist supervision.

How many refills are allowed for Schedule V drugs?

Up to 5 refills within 6 months.

Name four Schedule V drugs.

Robitussin AC, Cheratussin AC, Lyrica, Vimpat.

Who must register with the DEA?

Pharmacies, hospitals, prescribers, manufacturers, and distributors.

How often must DEA registration be renewed?

Every 3 years.

Is a separate DEA registration required for each location?

Yes

What does the first letter of a DEA number represent?

Registrant type.

What does the second letter of a DEA number represent?

The first letter of the registrant's last name.

What follows the first two letters of a DEA number?

Seven digits.

How is the last digit of a DEA number verified?

Add the 1st, 3rd, and 5th digits to twice the sum of the 2nd, 4th, and 6th digits. The last digit of the total must match the 7th digit.

How long must pharmacies keep controlled substance invoices?

At least 2 years.

Which DEA form is used to order Schedule II drugs?

DEA Form 222.

What electronic system can replace DEA Form 222?

CSOS (Controlled Substance Ordering System)

How often must a pharmacy perform a controlled substance inventory?

Every 2 years (biennial)

Which DEA form reports theft or significant loss of controlled substances?

DEA Form 106

Which schedules require an exact physical count?

Schedule II.

Which schedules may use estimated counts for containers with 1,000 or more units?

Schedules III-V.