Drug Classifications

Every controlled substance or prescription drug for pain management that uses a narcotic is heavily controlled and regulated by the US government. The FDA monitors the production side while the DEA monitors the distribution side. Each controlled substance or prescription drug is given a classification depending on how it reacts in humans.

The drug classifications are called Schedule or Class and are I, II, III, IV or V. Schedule (Class) I are the most addictive and require higher scrutiny and security measures to manufacture or distribute. Your pharmacist will usually keep these under lock and key in a safe. Schedule (Class) V are serious enough to monitor but the policies towards them are not as stringent. Based on the Schedule classification, it will also determine your punishment for abuse with I being the highest punishment.

Schedule (Class) I 

The classification is given if the drug or substance has a high potential for abuse, has no currently accepted medical use in theUSand there is a lack of safety under medical supervision. Opiates, opium derivatives and hallucinogenic substances are typically classified into this group such as: Acetylmethadol, Morpheridine, Phenadoxone, Heroin, Codeine, Nicocodeine and Peyote.

Schedule (Class) II

The classification is given if the drug or substance has a high potential for abuse, is currently accepted for medical use in theUSwith severe restrictions and abuse may lead to severe phsycological and physical dependence. Substances typically associated in this group are Opium and opiate salts, opium poppy, anything derived from coca leaves such as cocaine, Methadone, Fentanyl and Methamphetamine.

Schedule (Class) III

The classification is given if the drug or substance has a potential for abuse but less than Schedule 1 and 2. The substance is currently accepted for medical use in theUSand abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Substances typically associated in this group are stimulants such as Amphetamine, depressants such as Ketamine and Barbituric Acid, Nalorphine, anabolic steroids and narcotic drugs prepared in larger doses.

Schedule (Class) IV

The classification is given if the drug or substance has a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule III, is currently accepted for medical use in the US and abuse may lead to limited  psychological and physical dependence compared to Schedule III. Substances typically associated in this group are Barbital, Methohexital, Zolpidem, Loprazolam and Phenobarbital.

Schedule (Class) V

The classification is given if the drug or substance has a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule IV, is currently accepted for medical use in the US and abuse may lead to limited  psychological and physical dependence compared to Schedule IV. Substances typically associated in this group have limited quantities of narcotic drugs which include one or more non-narcotic active medicinal ingredient such as Robitussin AC, Lacosamide and Pregabalin.