The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1971 was designed to control the distribution and use of all depressant and stimulant drugs and other drugs of abuse or potential abuse. Centrally acting drugs are divided into five classes called Schedule I through V.
| Schedule |
Examples |
| Schedule I |
Experimental and illegal drugs (Heroin, LSD, Peyote) are not prescribable and do not have an acceptable medical use. |
| Schedule II |
Like Schedule I drugs, Schedule II (Amphetamine, Cocaine) drugs can be abused. However, they (Codeine, Morphine) have acceptable medical uses. Prescriptions cannot be renewed. |
| Schedule III |
Less likely to be abused than Aspirin with codeine, Schedule II drugs. Prescriptions can (Methylprylon, Phendimetrazine) be refilled up to five times in six months. |
| Schedule IV |
Lower potential for abuse than (Chloral hydrate, Diazepam) Schedule I-III. Usually they fall under Phenobarbital; similar refill regulations as Schedule III drugs. |
| Schedule V |
Low potential for abuse. May contain Lomotil, Parapectolin, small amounts of narcotics. Regulated (Cheracol, Robitussin) in the same manner as non-scheduled prescription drugs. |
