Drug Schedules

Question 1

Placement of drugs on schedule

Answer 1

According to medical usefulness and potential for abuse

Question 2

Schedule 1

Answer 2

Use is forbidden except for research
Researchers must apply to FDA for Investigational New Drug Exemption (IND)
All drugs start here, will remain here if no therapeutic use (potential too high for abuse)

Question 3

Schedule 2

Answer 3

High potential for abuse
May be prescribed a maximum 30 day supply (multiple prescriptions for up to a 90 day supply may be give)
May not be refilled
Telephone prescriptions must be followed by a written prescription within 72 hours
Records are kept for 2 years, manufacture and distribution monitored by DEA

Question 4

Schedule 3

Answer 4

Medium abuse potential (low physiological dependence, but perhaps high psychological dependence)
May be prescribed a maximum of 6 month supply or 5 refills
May be renewed by telephone or fax
Different legal penalties for illegal possession than schedule 4
Records are kept for 2 years, manufacture and distribution monitored by DEA

Question 5

Schedule 4

Answer 5

Low abuse potential (may lead to limited physiological or psychological dependence)
May be prescribed a maximum 6 month supply or 5 refills
May be renewed by telephone or fax
Different legal penalties for illegal possession than schedule 3
Records are kept for 2 years, manufacture and distribution monitored by DEA

Question 6

Schedule 5

Answer 6

May contain some narcotic
No prescription necessary (except in California)
Records are kept for 2 years, manufacture and distribution monitored by DEA