A controlled (scheduled) drug is one whose use and distribution is closely monitored because of its abuse potential or risk. Controlled drugs are categorized in order of their abuse risk and placed in "Schedules" by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Drugs with the highest abuse potential and no medical use are placed in Schedule I and those with the lowest abuse potential are in Schedule V. These schedules are commonly shown as C-I, C-II, C-III, C-IV, and C-V. Some examples of drugs in these Schedules are as follows:
- Schedule I - drugs with a high abuse risk. These drugs have NO safe, accepted medical use in the United States. Some examples are heroin, LSD, Ecstasy, and mescaline.
- Schedule II - drugs with a high abuse risk, but also have safe and accepted medical uses in the United States. These drugs can cause severe psychological and/or physical dependence. Schedule II drugs include certain narcotic, stimulant and depressant drugs. Some examples are morphine, cocaine, oxycodone (Percocet ®; Oxycontin®), hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Vicodin®), methylphenidate (Ritalin ®), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine ®). No refills of Schedule II medications are permitted.
- Schedule III, IV, or V - drugs with an abuse risk less than Schedule II. These drugs also have safe and accepted medical uses in the United States. Schedule III, IV, or V drugs include those containing smaller amounts of certain narcotic and non-narcotic drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, tranquilizers, sedatives, stimulants, and non-narcotic analgesics. Some examples are acetaminophen with codeine (Tylenol® No. 3), diazepam (Valium®), alprazolam (Xanax®) and zolpidem (Ambien®). A maximum of five refills are permitted for Schedule III, IV, and V medications.