Under the Controlled Substances Act of 1971, all controlled substances in the United States—including many drugs and chemicals—are classified into five schedules.
Schedule III drugs have the following characteristics:
- moderate potential for misuse
- low to moderate potential for physical dependence
- or high potential for psychological dependence (addiction)
- has accepted medical use in the United States
Schedule III drugs are considered lower-risk for drug misuse and addiction compared to Schedule I and Schedule II drugs, but higher-risk than Schedule IV and Schedule V drugs.
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.
Find Treatment For Drug Abuse Today
Using drugs in any way other than directed by a doctor can be a sign of drug misuse or addiction. If you or a loved one is misusing drugs, we may be able to help.
Call our helpline today to find drug abuse treatment that’s right for you.
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- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)—Controlled Substances - Alphabetical order
https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/c_cs_alpha.pdf - U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)—Drug Scheduling
https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling
