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, and 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.

How Schedule IV Drugs Are Monitored And Regulated

Because Schedule IV drugs carry a risk of misuse, the government has put systems in place to track how they are prescribed and dispensed. Most states require doctors and pharmacies to report every controlled substance prescription to a database called the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, or PDMP. This allows healthcare providers to see a person’s full prescription history before writing or filling a new prescription, which helps identify potential misuse.

The DEA also regulates which healthcare providers are allowed to prescribe Schedule IV substances and sets strict limits on how they can be dispensed. Pharmacies are required to keep detailed records of all controlled substance transactions and can be audited to make sure they are following the rules. These measures are designed to make sure Schedule IV drugs are available to people who need them while reducing the risk of misuse.

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

Even though Schedule IV drugs are considered lower risk than substances in higher schedules, they can still be misused and lead to dependence or addiction over time. Recognizing that a problem exists is the first and most important step toward getting help. The good news is that effective addiction treatment is available for all types of substance use disorders, including those involving prescription medications.

Treatment options for drug abuse and addiction include medically supervised detox, inpatient rehab programs, outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare support. The right level of care will depend on the individual’s specific needs and the severity of their addiction. Reaching out to a healthcare provider, browsing our directory, or calling SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 is a good place to start.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff