Complete List Of Schedule II Drugs

The U.S. federal government classifies all controlled substances, including drugs and chemicals, into five schedules. Characteristics of Schedule II drugs include high potential for abuse, high potential for physical dependence or psychological addiction, and limited medical use.

Schedule II drugs differ from Schedule I drugs in that they have some currently accepted medical uses. Schedule I drugs, on the other hand, have no accepted medical use.

List Of Schedule II Drugs

Drugs are classified as schedule II controlled substances by the federal government under the Controlled Substances Act of 1971.

Schedule II drugs include:

• cocaine
• codeine
• opium
• oxycodone (OxyContin)
• oxymorphone (Opana)
• hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• fentanyl
• morphine
• methadone
• meperidine
• carfentanil
• dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
• methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
• lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
• pentobarbital (Nembutal)
• secobarbital (Seconal)
• glutethimide
• phencyclidine (PCP)
• thiafentanil
• bezitramide
• anileridine
• alphaprodine

Are Schedule II Drugs Legal?

Schedule II drugs all have limited medicinal use. Therefore, they may be prescribed or administered in an acceptable form by a qualified health professional.

Some Schedule II drugs are illegal for all recreational use, such as cocaine. In addition, it is illegal to buy, sell, or give prescription drugs to someone without a prescription.

Are Schedule II Drugs Dangerous?

Drugs classified as schedule II may be dangerous when misused. Schedule II drugs are considered high-risk for drug misuse, physical dependence, and can be addictive.

Signs That Schedule II Drug Use Has Become A Problem

Schedule II drugs are among the most tightly controlled substances in the United States for good reason. Many of them, including opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl and stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin, carry a high risk of dependence and addiction even when taken as prescribed.

Because some of these medications are legally prescribed, it can be easy to overlook the signs that use has become problematic.

Common warning signs include:

• taking higher doses than prescribed or using the medication more often than directed
• feeling unable to function normally without the substance
• building a tolerance, meaning more of the drug is needed to feel the same effects
• experiencing withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, or anxiety when going without the drug
• visiting multiple doctors or pharmacies to obtain additional prescriptions
• continuing to use the substance despite negative effects on health, relationships, or work
• spending significant time and money obtaining and using the drug
• unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop using the substance

Reaching out to a healthcare provider or addiction specialist is an important first step toward getting help.

Find Drug Addiction Treatment Today

Schedule II drugs have some of the highest rates of misuse and addiction of any controlled substances, but recovery is possible with the right treatment and support. Because many of these substances cause significant physical dependence, attempting to stop using them without medical supervision can be dangerous. A medically supervised detox program is often the recommended first step, allowing withdrawal symptoms to be managed safely under clinical oversight.

Following detox, continued treatment through an inpatient or outpatient rehab program can help address the underlying causes of addiction and build the skills needed for long-term recovery. Treatment options may include medication-assisted treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, dual diagnosis care for co-occurring mental health conditions, and aftercare planning. For more information about addiction recovery, browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff