Complete List Of Schedule IV Drugs

Certain drugs and other substances are classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as Schedule IV controlled substances, which includes some drugs and chemicals.

Characteristics of Schedule IV drugs include:

• low risk for misuse
• low risk for physical dependence
• low to moderate risk for psychological addiction
• has accepted medical use

All controlled substances in the United States are classified into five schedules, in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

List Of Schedule IV Drugs

Schedule IV drugs and substances have a low risk for misuse and addiction compared to drugs classified as Schedule I, Schedule II, or Schedule III.

Schedule IV drugs include:

• tramadol
• alprazolam (Xanax)
• lorazepam (Ativan)
• clonazepam (Klonopin)
• diazepam (Valium)
• midazolam (Versed)
• estazolam
• medazepam
• tetrazepam
• oxazepam
• triazolam (Halcion)
• flunitrazepam (Rohypnol, “roofies”)
• zolpidem (Ambien)
• zopiclone (Imovane)
• zaleplon (Sonata)
• suvorexant (Belsomra)
• paraldehyde
• Darvocet
• phenobarbital (Luminal)
• cathine (“khat”)
• modafinil
• lorcaserin (Belviq)

Most benzodiazepine drugs, commonly prescribed for anxiety, as well as several ‘z’ drugs for insomnia, are classified as Schedule IV drugs.

Are Schedule IV Drugs Illegal?

Some Schedule IV drugs, such as flunitrazepam (“roofies”), are illegal for all uses in the United States.

All Schedule IV drugs have some medical value. Many Schedule IV drugs are prescribed for specified medical conditions. Selling prescription drugs to those without a prescription is illegal.

Are Schedule IV Drugs Dangerous?

Schedule IV drugs can have harmful side effects, including severe dependence or addiction, when taken in ways other than prescribed by a doctor.

These drugs can be safe and effective when taken as prescribed. Some Schedule IV drugs can be habit-forming after chronic use, even when taken as prescribed.

If you are taking a Schedule IV drug, do not try to stop taking it without first talking to a doctor. You may need to taper off these drugs gradually if you have been taking them for a long time.

Find Treatment For Drug Abuse Today

While considered safer than some other drugs, Schedule IV drugs can be misused and may become addictive with chronic misuse.

Overcoming drug abuse or addiction may require treatment. Call our helpline today to find drug detox or addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff