Schedule III drugs in the U.S. are controlled substances that have accepted medical uses but a moderate to low potential for physical dependence and abuse compared with Schedule I or II substances. They are still tightly regulated and generally require a valid prescription.

Quick Scoop

  • Schedule III means:
    • Legitimate medical use.
    • Lower abuse risk than Schedules I–II, but higher than Schedules IV–V.
* Abuse can lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
  • Main categories include:
    • Certain opioids in limited strengths.
    • Anabolic steroids.
    • Some depressants and stimulants.
    • Specific hallucinogenic-related substances.

This is general legal/medical information, not personal medical or legal advice. Always check your country or state laws and speak with a licensed professional.

Common Schedule III Drugs (U.S.)

Below are examples, not a complete list. Laws can change, so always verify with the latest official sources.

Common Schedule III drugs (examples)

[3][5] [7][5][3] [5][3] [7][1] [1][5][7] [3][5] [1][7] [7] [3][7] [3] [5][7] [5][7]
Category Example drugs Notes
Opioid combinations Tylenol with codeine (products with <= 90 mg codeine per dose); certain combination cough syrups containing codeine.[5][7][3] Lower-strength opioid combinations; still addictive and controlled.
Buprenorphine products Suboxone, Subutex, other buprenorphine formulations.Used in opioid use disorder treatment; tightly monitored.
Other opioid-related Certain preparations with small amounts of morphine in combination products (e.g., <= 50 mg per 100 mL/100 g with other active ingredients).[1][7] Formulated with non‑narcotic ingredients in therapeutic amounts.
Dissociative anesthetics Ketamine; tiletamine with zolazepam (often veterinary use).Used for anesthesia; misused recreationally for dissociative effects.
Depressants Barbituric acid derivatives (certain barbiturates); chlorhexadol; embutramide; FDA‑approved oxybate products (e.g., some formulations of GHB medicines).[7][1] Used as sedatives, anesthetics, or in specific sleep disorders.
Stimulants (appetite/weight) Benzphetamine; phendimetrazine; chlorphentermine; clortermine.Appetite suppressants with abuse potential.
Anabolic steroids Testosterone and many anabolic steroid compounds used for bodybuilding or hormone therapy.[1][3][7] Misuse linked to hormonal, cardiovascular, and psychiatric effects.
Hallucinogen-related Lysergic acid; lysergic acid amide; certain THC‑containing approved meds like dronabinol/Marinol (some formulations).[5][7][1] Classification depends on formulation; some THC products remain Schedule I.
Other Nalorphine and a range of less‑known sedative‑hypnotics and mixed‑action drugs listed in federal schedules.[9][5][7] Used in specific medical scenarios (e.g., reversal agents, sedatives).

How Schedule III Fits Into the System

  • There are five federal schedules (I–V) under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act.
  • Schedule I: no accepted medical use and high abuse potential (e.g., heroin under federal law).
  • Schedule II: accepted medical use but high abuse risk (e.g., oxycodone, many stimulants).
  • Schedule III : middle tier—still risky, but less so than II.

Legal and Safety Angle

  • Possession, distribution, or prescribing outside proper medical channels can lead to criminal charges, though penalties are usually lower than for Schedule I–II drugs.
  • Misuse can still cause addiction, withdrawal, and long‑term health harm, especially with opioids, ketamine, and anabolic steroids.

If You’re Looking Up a Specific Drug

  • Check the latest official federal list (21 CFR 1308.13 and DEA controlled substance schedules) or your country’s equivalent, since classifications and examples can change over time.
  • For personal prescriptions, a pharmacist, prescriber, or local lawyer (for legal questions) can clarify the exact schedule and rules where you live.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.