Drugs from the 5 classes are divided into 5 schedules or categories by the Controlled Substances Act. They are grouped according to:

• the drug's or substance's potential for being harmful
• the drug's value for medical purposes
• the potential for abuse, physical dependence, or addiction

Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use and are considered the most dangerous. Schedule V drugs are the least dangerous. The schedules are updated every year. You can read more about the Controlled Substances Act at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) website.

Following are the descriptions that appear in each schedule of the Controlled Substances Act.

Here is some other information on prescription drugs that you may find helpful. This information may help you understand what they are and why they are available only through a doctor or other healthcare professional. What Are Prescription Drugs? The Controlled Substances Act The 5 Drug Classes Drug Scheduling Commonly Abused Prescription Medications

 

1. SCHEDULE I

1. The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.
2. The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
3. There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.

Schedule I drugs include:

Ecstasy or MDMA (Methylenediooxymethamphetamine), GHB (Gama Hydroxybutyric Acid), heroin, LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide), and marijuana

2. SCHEDULE II

1. The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.
2. The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions.
3. Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to severe physical dependence or addiction.

Schedule II drugs include:

Amphetamine and methylphenidate, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydromorphone, morphine and secobarbital

3. SCHEDULE III

1. The drug or other substance has a potential for abuse less than the drugs or other substances in Schedules I and II.
2. The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
3. Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or addiction.

Schedule III drugs include:

Buprenorphine, anabolic steroids and combination drugs like hydrocodone plus acetaminophen and codeine plus acetaminophen

4. SCHEDULE IV

1. The drug or other substance has a low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule III.
2. The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
3. Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to limited physical dependence or addiction relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule III.

Schedule IV drugs include:

Benzodiazepines

5. SCHEDULE V

1. The drug or other substance has a low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule IV.
2. The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
3. Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to limited physical dependence or addiction relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule IV.

Schedule V drugs include:

Cough syrups containing Codeine

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