Schedule 4 Narcotics List

What Are Schedule IV Drugs?

Compared to Schedule 3, Schedule 4 narcotics have less potential for misuse yet can still be of use in medical treatments. Misusing any of these drugs may lead to physical or psychological dependence, but at a much lower potential than Schedules 1, 2, or 3. Schedule 4 narcotics are those that meet the following:

Have a low potential for misuse compared to the drugs in a higher schedule
Can be of use in medical treatment in America
Have a lower potential for dependence compared to the drugs in a higher schedule

The original definition of a narcotic included any drug that alters mood, senses, and perceptions and causes you to feel sleepy, tired, pain relief, and may put you into a stupor. Over the years, the official definition has evolved to represent mainly opioids, illegal drugs, and prescription medications.

As such, the list of Schedule 4 narcotics below includes both opioids and other substances that fall under this schedule.

List of Schedule 4 Narcotics

Many different drugs are categorized as Schedule 4 narcotics by the DEA.

Xanax

Around 30 million Americans use benzodiazepines like alazopram (Xanax) each year. Of those, more than five million people misuse the medication. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to alleviate muscle spasms and prevent seizures. However, doctors prescribe them the most to support sleep and reduce anxiety.

Xanax, a long-lasting Schedule 4 drug, is often misused by teens and adults. This medication comes in a pill form. Misuse involves crushing the pill and snorting the powder. It is often taken with other drugs to increase its effects, which include the following:

Amnesia
Vivid dreams, often nightmares
Central nervous system slows
Sleepiness
Relaxation
Drowsiness
Confusion
Impaired or slow coordination
Digestive problems
Headaches
Weight changes
Low libido
Muscle strength loss

Misusing Xanax can lead to overdose, so it’s essential to know the effects so you can call for help immediately. Overdose effects of Xanax include:

Slowed or stopped breathing
Slowed or stopped hear rate
Skin changes colors
Skin becomes clammy and cold
Unresponsiveness

Darvocet

Darvocet was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2010 after being on the list of Schedule 4 narcotics for many years. One reason is that it is very addictive. Also known as propoxyphene, Darvocet is sometimes combined with acetaminophen to create a more analgesic effect. It was previously used to manage moderate to severe pain.

Darvocet is a drug many people misuse. Some take more than their prescription advises, crush it, snort it, and mix it with alcohol and other drugs. Its side effects include:

Sleepiness
Confusion
Digestive issues
Slow breathing
Slow heart rate

Misusing Darvocet can lead to addiction, dependence, or both. It can also lead to a coma, overdose, and death.

Valium

Valium is often given to treat withdrawal symptoms from alcohol. It can also relieve symptoms of anxiety. The benefit of Valium is that it calms the neurotransmitters or activity in the brain, easing anxiety and muscle spasms. Valium, also known as diazepam, is on the list of Schedule 4 narcotics and belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Side effects of Valium include the following:

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Sex drive changes
Confusion
Constipation
Irregular urination
Headache
Dry mouth

Valium misuse can lead to overdose. The symptoms of a Valium overdose include:

Loss of control of body functions
Shaking in different parts of the body
Slurred speech
Loss of consciousness
Stopped heart rate or breathing

Ativan

Ativan, also known as lorazepam, is in the class of benzodiazepines on the list of Schedule 4 narcotics. As a sedative-hypnotic, this anti-anxiety medication works quickly to calm brain activity. Ativan can also treat insomnia, seizures, and even alcohol withdrawal for some. Ativan is typically given in oral doses, but some may misuse it by crushing and snorting it. Side effects vary due to the amount someone consumes, especially when misusing the drug.

Side effects can range from mild to severe and include the following:

Respiratory slowing or stopping
Aggression
Blood pressure changes
Dizziness
Amnesia
Sex drive changes
Appetite changes
Constipation
Blurred vision
Slurred speech
Physical weakness
Coordination issues
Jaundice

Ambien

Ambien, also known as zolpidem, treats insomnia by slowing down brain activity so that you can fall asleep. Ambien is usually given in pill form, but oral sprays and sublingual tablets are available. Misuse of Ambien occurs when you take the medicine in any other way than prescribed, like splitting or crushing the tablet or injecting the liquid. Taking more than the prescription for these Schedule 4 narcotics can lead to overdose. Short-term harmful effects of Ambien include:

Sleepiness or extreme fatigue
Dizziness
Grogginess
Digestive problems
Balance and coordination problems
Uncomfortable sensations in the hands, feet, and extremities
Ear ringing
Dry mouth
Swelling of the throat or tongue
Aggression
Shakiness
Chest pain

Tramadol

Tramadol was added to the list of Schedule 4 narcotics in 2014 because of its potential for misuse. Tramadol comes in extended-release and quick-release forms. Doctors prescribe this drug for pain relief because it alters how the brain and central nervous system respond to pain. Tramadol comes in tablet, liquid, and capsule forms.

Side effects of Tramadol can be mild, moderate, or severe:

Dry mouth
Heartburn
Anxiety
Muscle tension, spasms, cramps
Rashes
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation
Seizures
Agitation
Rapid heartbeat
Shakiness
Swelling in various parts of the body
Excessive sweating
Hallucinations

Klonopin

Klonopin, also known as clonazepam, is another benzodiazepine listed as a Schedule 4 drug. Much like other benzodiazepines on this list, it is prescribed to treat panic disorder and seizures as well as alcohol withdrawal.

People may misuse Klonopin to self-medicate anxiety, get high, or to amplify the effects of other drugs like opioids or alcohol. Klonopin misuse can lead to physiological dependence, which means you need to keep using the drug to stave off withdrawal symptoms. Klonopin can also be addictive, leading to a pattern of compulsive use despite negative consequences.

Schedule IV Narcotics Addiction

Chronic drug misuse can lead to addiction. If you are misusing any drugs on the list of Schedule 4 narcotics, it’s possible to develop dependence and addiction.

There are many different signs of drug addiction, and this condition can manifest in different ways for different people. However, if you develop a tolerance to a Schedule 4 narcotic drug, meaning you need higher doses to feel high, this could be an indication that you have an addiction. Another indicator is that of dependence—if you experience withdrawal symptoms when you suddenly quit or reduce use, you could have an addiction. But this only applies to people who are misusing Schedule 4 narcotics, not those taking their medication as prescribed.

Additionally, you may participate in risky behaviors, such as selling your Schedule 4 narcotics for money. You may obtain narcotics in dangerous ways, such as doctor shopping, buying other people’s prescriptions, or stealing. Other signs of a Schedule 4 narcotics addiction include the following:

Misusing substances for longer than intended and more than intended
Cravings or a strong desire to use
Being unable to fulfill personal, professional, and social obligations due to drug misuse
Continuing to misuse substances even though you know it will worsen physical or psychological conditions
Continuing to misuse substances even though doing so creates problems at work, home, and socially

Whether you have a prescription or are obtaining Schedule 4 narcotics illegally, addiction is treatable. The first step is to contact a treatment provider for a substance abuse evaluation. They will assess the extent and nature of your addiction and make appropriate treatment recommendations, such as inpatient or outpatient rehab.

If you need to look for a treatment facility right now, you can call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to get help today.

the Take-Away

The Schedule 4 narcotics list contains drugs with a mild abuse potential. Organizing drugs into schedules allows for rules and regulations to be appropriately created with specific drugs in mind.

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