Overview
This lecture explains the DEA controlled substance schedules, including how drugs are classified by abuse potential and medical use, and provides examples for each schedule.
DEA and Controlled Substance Act
- The DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) enforces U.S. controlled substance laws.
- A controlled substance is any drug listed in the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) schedules.
- Drug schedules categorize drugs based on medical use and potential for abuse or dependency.
Overview of Controlled Substance Schedules
- There are five DEA drug schedules, labeled I through V.
- Schedules reflect decreasing potential for abuse and increasing accepted medical use from I to V.
Schedule I Drugs
- No accepted medical use and high abuse potential.
- Examples: heroin, LSD, ecstasy.
- These drugs are illegal and not prescribed.
Schedule II Drugs
- Accepted medical use but high potential for abuse and severe dependence.
- Schedule II narcotics: methadone, hydromorphone, meperidine, oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine, hydrocodone, codeine (>90 mg/dose).
- Schedule II stimulants: methylphenidate, amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine (medical use only).
Schedule III Drugs
- Moderate to low abuse and dependence potential.
- Narcotics: products with ≤90 mg codeine/unit (e.g., Tylenol with codeine).
- Non-narcotics: anabolic steroids (e.g., depot testosterone), ketamine.
Schedule IV Drugs
- Lower abuse potential compared to Schedule III.
- Commonly used for anxiety and sleep.
- Examples: zolpidem (Ambien), benzodiazepines (alprazolam/Xanax, clonazepam/Klonopin, diazepam/Valium, temazepam/Restoril, lorazepam/Ativan, midazolam/Versed), tramadol (Ultram), carisoprodol (Soma), phentermine (Adipex).
Schedule V Drugs
- Lowest abuse potential among schedules.
- Mainly preparations with limited narcotics for cough, diarrhea, or pain.
- Examples: diphenoxylate (Lomotil), pregabalin (Lyrica), cough syrups with ≤200 mg codeine/100 mL or 100 g (Robitussin AC, Phenergan with codeine).
Key Terms & Definitions
- DEA — Drug Enforcement Agency, enforces drug laws in the U.S.
- Controlled Substance — Drug regulated under the Controlled Substance Act schedules.
- Drug Schedule — Category assigned to drugs based on medical use and abuse potential.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review drug schedule examples for memorization.
- Prepare for questions on distinguishing features of each DEA schedule.