Drug Schedules

Drug Class Schedules

Overview

Drug schedules categorize substances based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and safety. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in the U.S. classifies drugs into five schedules (I-V).

Schedule I (C-I)

  • Definition: High potential for abuse, no accepted medical use.

  • Examples: Heroin, LSD, MDMA, cannabis (federally).

  • Regulations: No prescriptions allowed; research requires special licenses.

Schedule II (C-II)

  • Definition: High potential for abuse, accepted medical use with severe restrictions.

  • Examples: Morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, cocaine.

  • Regulations: Prescriptions required; cannot be refilled; must be written or electronic.

Schedule III (C-III)

  • Definition: Moderate potential for abuse, accepted medical use.

  • Examples: Anabolic steroids, ketamine, certain barbiturates.

  • Regulations: Prescriptions required; can be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months.

Schedule IV (C-IV)

  • Definition: Lower potential for abuse, accepted medical use.

  • Examples: Alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam.

  • Regulations: Prescriptions required; can be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months.

Schedule V (C-V)

  • Definition: Lowest potential for abuse, accepted medical use.

  • Examples: Cough preparations with less than 200 mg of codeine, pregabalin.

  • Regulations: Some may not require a prescription; state laws vary.

Key Points

  • Abuse Potential: Higher schedule = higher potential for abuse.

  • Medical Use: Schedule I has no accepted medical use; Schedule II-V have varying degrees of accepted use.

  • Prescription Regulations: Stricter for higher schedules; C-II requires more stringent controls.