Schedule 3 Drugs are classified under the Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in the United States. The CSA has established five schedules for controlled substances, which contain different levels of restrictions based upon the likelihood of physical and/or psychological dependence on that substance.
A Schedule 3 drug is considered “less dangerous” than a Schedule 1 or 2 drug, yet it is still heavily regulated when compared with Schedule 4 and 5 drugs because of its potential for addiction or abuse. Schedule 3 drugs contain approved medical uses in the U.S. and are monitored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to preserve their safe use, distribution, and prescribing.
Examples of Schedule 3 drugs include anabolic steroids, ketamine, testosterone, and combination products with limited quantities of codeine and/or some prescription pain medications. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in Schedule 3 drugs due to the number of Executive Orders signed by President Trump regarding drug policy reform and prescription regulatory enforcement and reform efforts.
Executive Orders do not directly modify drug scheduling, as this falls within the purview of the DEA and HHS; they may have an indirect impact on the enforcement, review, or consideration of the legality of the CDA through establishing enforcement priorities.
More About Schedule 3 Drug
Under the CSA (Controlled Substances Act), a licensed healthcare provider can prescribe a Schedule 3 drug (such as hydrocodone or codeine) and may refill that prescription up to five times within six months. However, unauthorised possession and distribution of Schedule 3 drugs is still illegal.
Although receiving an illegal prescription, an individual will have less severe consequences than if they had received an illegal prescription for either a Schedule 1 or a Schedule 2 drug. The CSA intends to strike a balance between access to medication and public safety.
Recent executive actions taken by President Trump have reignited the discussion regarding the rescheduling of drugs for legitimate medical use and addressing concerns regarding misuse. The executive actions relating to drug schedules have often been intertwined with the wider discussion regarding healthcare options available for veterans and how to best manage pain in this population.
These discussions also extend to the overall regulation of pharmaceuticals. While the executive actions cannot be used solely to reschedule a specific medication, they may be used to encourage the respective federal regulatory agencies to review the scientific evidence associated with rescheduling or to facilitate the process of regulation or worry less about enforcing the current schedule.
By defining which drugs are classified as Schedule 3 drugs, we can better understand how the federal drug policy works and why some medications are treated differently under federal law.
FAQ’s On What is a Schedule 3 Drug?
What makes a drug a Schedule 3?
A Schedule 3 drug has low to moderate potential for dependency and has medical use.
Who is responsible for scheduling drugs in the United States?
Drug scheduling is regulated by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) in conjunction with HHS (Department of Health and Human Services) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) based on the drugs’ medical value, potential for abuse, and safety data.
Are Schedule 3 drugs legal to prescribe?
Yes. Licensed healthcare professionals are allowed to legally prescribe Schedule Three drugs to treat medical conditions.
What is the difference between a Schedule 3 drug and a Schedule 2 drug?
Schedule 2 drugs have more potential to be abused than Schedule 3; therefore, there are greater restrictions on their use.
