Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyMedium
A physician prescribes diazepam for a patient experiencing severe anxiety. Under which schedule of controlled substances does diazepam fall?
- ASchedule I
- BSchedule II
- CSchedule IV
- DSchedule III
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Schedule IV
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly used for anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. It has a potential for abuse and dependence, but less than Schedule II drugs, placing it in Schedule IV under the Controlled Substances Act.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use and high abuse potential (e.g., heroin).
- B. Schedule II drugs have high abuse potential with severe psychological or physical dependence (e.g., oxycodone, morphine).
- D. Schedule III drugs have moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence (e.g., Tylenol with codeine).
Controlled Substance Schedule IV
Schedule IV controlled substances have a low potential for abuse and a low risk of physical or psychological dependence. They are commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and certain seizure disorders.
- Examples: diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, zolpidem.
- Prescriptions can often be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months.
- Less stringent record-keeping than Schedule II or III.
Memory trick: 1 is High, 5 is Low, IV is In-Between.