The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) established five drug schedules.

These schedules
categorize controlled substances based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical uses,
and level of regulation, with Schedule I being the most restrictive and Schedule V being the
least restrictive.

Schedule I is the most restrictive category under the Controlled Substances Act. Substances
classified as Schedule I are considered to have a high potential for abuse and addiction with
no accepted medical use in the United States. Examples of Schedule I substances include
heroin, LSD, and marijuana (cannabis) at the federal level, although marijuana's classification
can vary at the state level.

Schedule II is a category under the Controlled Substances Act for substances that have a high
potential for abuse but also have accepted medical uses with severe restrictions. Examples of
Schedule II substances include prescription medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone,
fentanyl, and stimulants like methamphetamine. These drugs are tightly regulated due to their
potential for abuse and dependency.

Schedule III is a category under the Controlled Substances Act for substances with a lower
potential for abuse compared to Schedule I and II drugs. These substances have accepted
medical uses and a moderate to low risk of physical or psychological dependence. Examples
of Schedule III substances include some prescription medications such as anabolic steroids,
ketamine, and certain combination products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per
dosage unit.

Schedule IV is a category under the Controlled Substances Act for substances that have a
lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule III drugs. These substances have accepted
medical uses and a lower risk of physical or psychological dependence. Examples of
Schedule IV substances include prescription medications like Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan
(lorazepam), and Valium (diazepam), which are commonly used to treat anxiety and sleep
disorders. These drugs are subject to regulation, but to a lesser extent than Schedule I-III
substances.

Schedule V is the least restrictive category under the Controlled Substances Act. Substances
in this category have a lower potential for abuse than those in Schedules I-IV and have
accepted medical uses. These substances are subject to the least stringent regulations.
Examples of Schedule V substances include medications containing very small amounts of
narcotics, such as cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100
milliliters or per 100 grams. These medications are available over the counter in some cases
or with a prescription in others, depending on state regulations.

Reference

1. Kaldy J. Controlled Substances Add New Layer to E-Prescribing. Consult Pharm. 2016
Apr;31(4):200-6.