Complete List Of Schedule III Drugs

The Controlled Substances Act of 1971 established a classification system that organizes drugs and chemicals into five schedules based on their medical use, potential for abuse, and risk of dependence. Each schedule reflects a different level of regulatory control, with Schedule I carrying the highest restrictions and Schedule V the lowest. Schedule III sits in the middle of this framework, representing substances that carry a moderate level of risk compared to the more tightly controlled drugs in Schedules I and II.

To be classified as a Schedule III substance, a drug must have an accepted medical use in the United States along with a moderate potential for misuse and a low to moderate potential for physical dependence. Some Schedule III drugs also carry a high potential for psychological dependence even if the risk of physical dependence is lower. Common examples include certain anabolic steroids, ketamine, and buprenorphine. While Schedule III drugs are considered lower risk than those in the top two schedules, they are still controlled substances that are subject to federal regulations and can lead to addiction when misused.

List Of Schedule III Drugs

Controlled substances are scheduled by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Schedule III drugs include:

• ketamine
• buprenorphine
• Tylenol with codeine
• anabolic steroids (“body-building drugs”)
• testosterone
• benzphetamine (Didrex)
• chlorhexadol (Mecoral)
• amobarbital (suppository form)
• methyprylon
• zolazepam
• lysergic acid (LSD precursor)

Are Schedule III Drugs Legal?

Some schedule III drugs, such as ketamine, are illegal for recreational use. It is illegal to sell or buy prescription drugs without a prescription for recreational purposes. All Schedule III drugs have some medical value and may be prescribed or administered by a qualified health professional to treat specific conditions.

Are Schedule III Drugs Dangerous?

Schedule III drugs can have harmful effects when misused. When taken as directed by a doctor, they can be safe and may offer medical value. Schedule III drugs may be habit-forming. Use of these drugs can lead to physical dependence or psychological addiction when abused.

Signs Of Schedule III Drug Addiction

Because Schedule III drugs are considered lower risk than Schedule I and II substances, their potential for addiction is often underestimated. Common warning signs include taking a substance more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed, building a tolerance over time, and feeling unable to stop despite wanting to.

Strong cravings, mood changes when the drug is unavailable, and withdrawing from friends and family are also red flags worth taking seriously.

Treatment Options For Schedule III Drug Addiction

Addiction to Schedule III substances is a medical condition that responds well to professional treatment. For those who have developed a physical dependence, a medically supervised detox program is often the recommended first step. Following detox, inpatient or outpatient rehab can help address the underlying causes of addiction through evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and group counseling.

Those dealing with a co-occurring mental health condition should look for a program that offers dual diagnosis treatment for the best chance at lasting recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff