Controlled substances are categorized into schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependence liability. In the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies controlled substances into five schedules:
Schedule I•
Definition: Substances with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
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Examples: Heroin, LSD, MDMA (Ecstasy), marijuana (cannabis), and psilocybin.
Schedule II•
Definition: Substances with a high potential for abuse, which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence, but have accepted medical uses.
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Examples: Opioids (e.g., morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl), stimulants (e.g., amphetamine), and certain barbiturates.
Schedule III•
Definition: Substances with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. They have accepted medical uses.
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Examples: Anabolic steroids, ketamine, and some compounds containing less than 90 mg of codeine per dosage unit.
Schedule IV•
Definition: Substances with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. They have accepted medical uses.
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Examples: Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam), tramadol, and certain sleep medications.
Schedule V•
Definition: Substances with a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. They have accepted medical uses.
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Examples: Cough preparations containing less than 200 mg of codeine per 100 mL or per 100 grams, and medications like pregabalin.
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