Which schedule includes medications such as Xanax and Ativan?

Medications such as Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam) fall under Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule IV substances are characterized as having a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedules I-III. They are accepted for medical use in the United States but can lead to limited physical or psychological dependence when misused. Xanax and Ativan are both benzodiazepines, which are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and sometimes for sleep disturbances, thus reflecting their legitimate medical use while still being controlled due to their potential for abuse.

Other schedules include substances with different levels of control, such as Schedule I, which includes drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, like heroin and LSD; Schedule II, containing medications that have a high potential for abuse but with accepted medical uses, like opioids; and Schedule III, which includes substances with a moderate potential for abuse. Each schedule is designed to balance the need for access to medications while minimizing the risk of misuse and addiction.