Schedule III Drugs: Complete List and What They Mean for Patients

What Are Schedule III Drugs?

Schedule III drugs are substances the DEA classifies as having a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. They sit below Schedule I and II (high abuse potential) and above Schedule IV and V (lower abuse potential). All Schedule III drugs require a prescription. Refills are allowed up to 5 times within 6 months of the original prescription date.

Doctors prescribe Schedule III drugs for pain management, hormone therapy, appetite stimulation, and other conditions. Understanding their classification helps patients and families recognize both the benefits and risks of these medications.

What Defines Schedule III Classification

• Lower abuse potential than Schedule I and II substances
• Accepted medical use in the United States
• Abuse may lead to moderate physical dependence or high psychological dependence
• Requires valid prescription but permits refills
• Prescribers do not need a triplicate form (unlike Schedule II)

Complete List of Schedule III Drugs

Opioid Medications

• Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex): Used for opioid addiction treatment and chronic pain management. Reclassified from unscheduled to Schedule III in 2002.
• Codeine combinations: Products containing less than 90 mg of codeine per dosage unit combined with non-narcotic ingredients (e.g., Tylenol with Codeine No. 3).

Stimulant Medications

• Benzphetamine (Didrex): Appetite suppressant for short-term obesity treatment.
• Phendimetrazine: Another appetite suppressant prescribed for short-term weight loss.

Anabolic Steroids

• Testosterone: Prescribed for hypogonadism and hormone replacement therapy.
• Nandrolone (Deca-Durabolin): Used for anemia and wasting conditions.
• Oxandrolone (Anavar): Prescribed for weight regain after surgery or chronic infection.
• Stanozolol (Winstrol): Used for hereditary angioedema.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): Hormone supplement.

Sedative and Other Medications

• Ketamine: Anesthetic used in medical settings. Esketamine (Spravato) nasal spray is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression.
• Marinol (dronabinol): Synthetic THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and AIDS-related appetite loss.
• Embutramide: Used exclusively in veterinary euthanasia solutions.

In 2023, the DEA proposed moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. As of March 2026, this reclassification remains under review. If approved, it would be the most significant change to marijuana’s federal legal status since 1970.

Prescription Rules for Schedule III

Schedule III prescription rules are less restrictive than Schedule II:

1. Prescriptions are valid for 6 months from the date written.
2. Up to 5 refills are permitted within that 6-month window.
3. Prescriptions do not require triplicate forms.
4. Phone-in and electronic prescriptions are permitted.
5. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants can prescribe in most states.

Abuse Potential of Schedule III Drugs

Despite their “moderate” classification, some Schedule III drugs carry real abuse risks:

Anabolic Steroids

An estimated 3 to 4 million Americans have used anabolic steroids non-medically. Bodybuilders and athletes account for most misuse. Health consequences include liver damage, cardiovascular disease, hormonal disruption, and psychological effects (aggression, mood swings).

Ketamine

Ketamine misuse has increased alongside its expansion into psychiatric treatment. Street use produces dissociative effects, hallucinations, and impaired motor function. Chronic ketamine misuse causes bladder damage (ketamine cystitis) and cognitive impairment.

Buprenorphine

While buprenorphine helps millions manage opioid addiction, diversion occurs. People inject or snort buprenorphine for euphoric effects, though the ceiling effect limits its potency compared to full opioid agonists.

Talking to Your Doctor About Schedule III Medications

If your doctor prescribes a Schedule III medication, ask about the expected treatment duration, signs of dependence to watch for, and a plan for discontinuation. Store these medications securely to prevent diversion. If you notice signs of misuse in yourself or someone else, SAMHSA (1-800-662-4357) provides free treatment referrals.