What is classified as controlled medication?

Controlled medication is classified as any substance regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to its potential for abuse, addiction, or misuse. This classification is based on various factors, including the drug's pharmacological effects, the likelihood of dependence, and the risk of diversion and illegal distribution. Medications deemed controlled are categorized into schedules, with Schedule I substances considered to have the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States, while Schedule V substances have a lower potential for abuse and accepted medical uses.

In contrast, medications that are classified as having no potential for abuse are not controlled substances and typically fall outside the DEA's oversight. Non-prescription medications and those available over-the-counter also do not qualify as controlled substances, as they are readily accessible to the public without a prescription and generally considered safer with a lower risk of misuse.