Controlled substances are drugs that are strictly regulated to reduce the risk of abuse and illegal distribution.
To determine the level of restriction placed on a particular controlled substance, five different categories (or "Schedules") are used. A controlled substance will belong to Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V, with Schedule V being the least restricted.
Schedule I drugs are the most restricted controlled substances. In fact, prescriptions cannot be written for these drugs, and they are not even seen in pharmacies. Schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substances may be prescribed by a healthcare provider and dispensed from pharmacies.
Examples of specific drugs found within each Schedule include:
- Schedule I -- heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana
- Schedule II -- amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®), cocaine, codeine
- Schedule III -- acetaminophen with codeine, anabolic steroids (Androderm®, Testim®), buprenorphine and naloxone (Suboxone®)
- Schedule IV -- alprazolam (Xanax®), clonazepam (Klonopin®), diazepam (Valium®)
- Schedule V -- acetaminophen with codeine, Phenergan® with codeine, Robitussin® AC with codeine.
(Click Controlled Substance to learn more about how these products are classified, including information on prescriptions, refills, and the risk of abuse.)
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