DEA controlled
substances guide.
Learn what each DEA schedule means, which common medications are controlled, and the legal requirements for each classification.
NOTE: This page is for educational purposes only. Controlled substance scheduling can change. Always verify current scheduling with the DEA, your pharmacist, or a licensed healthcare provider. Possession of Schedule I substances is illegal in the U.S. without special DEA authorization.
Schedule I substances have no accepted medical use in the United States and have a high potential for abuse. They cannot be legally prescribed. Possession is a federal crime. Research use requires special DEA Schedule I researcher registration.
- High potential for abuse
- No currently accepted medical use in the U.S.
- Lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision
- Cannot be legally prescribed — possession is a federal crime
Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. They have accepted medical uses but with severe restrictions. These require a new written prescription for each fill — no phone-in refills, no automatic refills.
- Written prescription required — no phone/fax refills in most states
- No refills permitted — new prescription each time
- Pharmacies must maintain strict DEA inventory records
- Many states require special tamper-resistant prescription pads
- 30-day supply limits common in many states
Schedule III drugs have a potential for abuse less than Schedule I or II substances and have accepted medical uses. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence but high psychological dependence.
- Can be prescribed verbally (called in to pharmacy)
- Up to 5 refills within 6 months of issue date
- Fax prescriptions permitted in most states
- Electronic prescriptions increasingly required
Schedule IV drugs have a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule III substances and have currently accepted medical uses. Abuse may lead to limited physical or psychological dependence relative to Schedule III.
- Can be prescribed verbally or by fax
- Up to 5 refills within 6 months of issue date
- Some states impose stricter controls (e.g. tramadol treated as CII in some states)
- Electronic prescriptions now required in many states
Schedule V drugs have a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule IV substances and have accepted medical uses. Many contain limited quantities of narcotics. Some Schedule V preparations can be sold over-the-counter in certain states with proper identification and a log maintained by the pharmacist.
- Prescription or OTC depending on state law and product
- OTC Schedule V products require buyer to be 18+ and sign a logbook
- Up to 5 refills within 6 months
- Note: gabapentin is Schedule V in some states, unscheduled in others