Ketamine: What's an example of a schedule 3 drug?

October 12, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Schedule 3 controlled substances have a moderate-to-low potential for physical dependence and a high potential for psychological dependence. The anesthetic ketamine is a prime example of a schedule 3 drug, reflecting a balance between its accepted medical uses and its potential for misuse.

Quick Summary

Schedule 3 drugs, like ketamine, anabolic steroids, and certain codeine combinations, have accepted medical uses but carry a risk of dependence. Their classification under the Controlled Substances Act determines strict regulations for their prescription, handling, and distribution.

Key Points

Ketamine is a Schedule 3 drug: Ketamine, an anesthetic, is a classic example of a Schedule 3 substance, used medically but carrying a risk of dependence and misuse.
Moderate abuse potential: Schedule 3 drugs have less abuse potential than Schedule I and II substances, but still pose a moderate risk.
Psychological dependence risk: These drugs have a higher potential for psychological dependence than physical dependence.
Testosterone is a Schedule 3 anabolic steroid: Anabolic steroids, including testosterone, are regulated as Schedule 3 drugs due to their potential for abuse.
Buprenorphine is used for opioid dependence: This partial opioid agonist is a Schedule 3 narcotic used to treat opioid addiction.
Strict prescription rules apply: Schedule 3 drugs are subject to prescription limits, including up to five refills within a six-month period.
Accepted medical use: Unlike Schedule I drugs, Schedule 3 substances have accepted medical applications in the United States.

Understanding the Controlled Substances Act

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a federal law that regulates the manufacture, possession, and distribution of certain drugs and chemicals. Enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), this act places substances into five distinct schedules based on their potential for abuse, recognized medical applications, and the risk of physical or psychological dependence. The lower the schedule number (Schedule I), the greater the potential for abuse and the stricter the regulations. Schedule III represents an intermediate category, possessing less abuse potential than Schedule I and II but more than Schedule IV.

The Classification Criteria for Schedule 3

For a drug to be classified as a Schedule 3 substance, it must meet three key criteria:

Accepted Medical Use: The drug has a currently accepted medical use in treatment within the United States.
Moderate to Low Physical Dependence: Abuse of the substance may lead to moderate or low physical dependence.
High Psychological Dependence: Abuse of the substance may lead to high psychological dependence.

This classification indicates that while the drug is medically beneficial, there remains a significant risk of psychological dependence and a notable, though lesser, risk of physical dependence. This dual nature necessitates specific controls for how it is prescribed, dispensed, and monitored by healthcare providers and pharmacies.

Example: Ketamine

One of the most recognizable and often discussed Schedule 3 drugs is ketamine. Originally developed as an anesthetic for surgical procedures, it is still used today for this purpose in both humans and animals. Ketamine produces a dissociative effect, where the user feels detached from their pain and environment. In addition to its long-standing use as an anesthetic, its therapeutic applications have expanded. In recent years, a derivative of ketamine called esketamine (brand name Spravato) was approved by the FDA for treating treatment-resistant depression.

However, ketamine's psychoactive properties also make it a target for misuse, commonly associated with the nightclub scene where it's known by names like 'Special K'. Recreational use, particularly when combined with other substances like alcohol, can lead to serious adverse effects. As a Schedule 3 substance, healthcare providers are required to adhere to strict guidelines for its use, especially in off-label applications for mental health.

Example: Anabolic Steroids and Testosterone

Anabolic steroids, including testosterone, are also classified as Schedule 3 controlled substances. These are synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone. In medicine, they are used to treat conditions like delayed puberty in males and muscle wasting associated with diseases like cancer. Testosterone is also a critical component of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT).

Despite their legitimate medical uses, anabolic steroids are often misused by athletes and bodybuilders seeking to enhance performance and increase muscle mass. Abuse of these substances can lead to a range of severe side effects, including liver damage, heart disease, severe mood swings, and infertility. The Schedule 3 classification reflects the significant potential for abuse and psychological dependence, leading to strict monitoring and regulatory controls.

Other Notable Schedule 3 Examples

Buprenorphine: This partial opioid agonist was rescheduled from Schedule 5 to Schedule 3 in 2002. It is primarily used in medications like Suboxone® and Subutex® to treat opioid dependence by easing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, because it is an opioid itself, it still has a potential for misuse and psychological dependence, particularly when injected.
Codeine Combination Products: Certain products containing codeine in specific, limited quantities are classified as Schedule 3. For example, products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit, such as Tylenol with codeine, are Schedule 3. The presence of non-narcotic ingredients in the formulation helps to lower the abuse potential compared to higher concentration opioids.

Comparing Drug Schedules: A Quick Guide


Feature	Schedule 1	Schedule 2	Schedule 3	Schedule 4	Schedule 5
Abuse Potential	High	High	Moderate to Low	Low	Very Low
Medical Use	No accepted use	Accepted use	Accepted use	Accepted use	Accepted use
Dependence Risk	Severe physical/psychological	Severe physical/psychological	Moderate/Low physical, High psychological	Limited physical/psychological	Limited physical/psychological
Examples	Heroin, LSD	Morphine, Oxycodone	Ketamine, Anabolic Steroids	Xanax, Valium	Cough syrups with codeine
Refill Restrictions	N/A	No refills without new prescription	Up to 5 refills in 6 months	Up to 5 refills in 6 months	No federal limit, state dependent

Conclusion: The Purpose of Schedule 3 Classification

The scheduling of drugs like ketamine and anabolic steroids as Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act is a critical component of public health policy. It acknowledges the legitimate therapeutic value of these medications while imposing necessary regulations to minimize their potential for misuse and dependence. For healthcare providers, it mandates careful prescribing and monitoring. For patients, it ensures that powerful medications are used responsibly and that the risks associated with them are clearly understood. The balanced regulation of Schedule 3 substances aims to protect public safety without restricting access to beneficial medical treatments. For more information on the controlled substances schedules, a good resource is the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's website.

Prescribing and Regulation of Schedule 3 Drugs

Due to their potential for dependence, Schedule 3 drugs have stricter prescribing rules than non-controlled substances. A new prescription is typically required after five refills or six months, whichever comes first. Pharmacies and healthcare facilities must follow specific procedures for storing these medications securely and documenting their usage. This system of checks and balances is designed to prevent diversion and ensure these drugs are only used for legitimate medical purposes under professional guidance.

The Role of Awareness

Public awareness plays a significant role in mitigating the risks associated with Schedule 3 drugs. Understanding that even medically beneficial drugs carry a risk of dependence is crucial. Education campaigns often highlight the dangers of illicit use and the importance of adhering to prescribed dosages and medical supervision. This transparency helps demystify drug scheduling and fosters responsible use of controlled substances.

What's an Example of a Schedule 3 Drug?: Key Examples

To summarize, some of the most prominent examples of Schedule 3 drugs include:

Ketamine: A dissociative anesthetic used medically and with potential for abuse.
Anabolic Steroids (including Testosterone): Hormonal substances used for medical conditions but often misused for athletic performance.
Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist used to treat opioid addiction.
Codeine combination products: Formulations with limited quantities of codeine mixed with other non-narcotic ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in their potential for abuse and dependence. Schedule 2 drugs have a high potential for abuse leading to severe physical or psychological dependence. Schedule 3 drugs have a moderate to low potential for physical dependence, but a high potential for psychological dependence, and are subject to less stringent regulations.

Anabolic steroids, including testosterone, are classified as Schedule 3 due to their potential for abuse and the risk of high psychological dependence. While they have accepted medical uses, they are often misused for athletic performance enhancement, which can lead to serious health issues.

Yes, a Schedule 3 drug can be refilled. Federal law allows for up to five refills within a six-month period from the date the prescription was issued. After this period, a new prescription from a healthcare provider is required.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used to treat opioid dependence, often in combination with naloxone (Suboxone®). It is a Schedule 3 narcotic because it has accepted medical use but also possesses a potential for abuse and high psychological dependence.

Drug scheduling, as defined by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), is intended to regulate the manufacturing, distribution, and possession of certain drugs. The classification system is based on a drug's potential for abuse, its accepted medical use, and its safety profile.

Yes, Tylenol with codeine is a Schedule 3 drug, specifically the product containing not more than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit. This formulation has a lower abuse potential compared to stronger opioid-based medications.

For prescribers, the Schedule 3 classification means they must follow stricter regulations than for non-controlled drugs. This includes proper DEA registration, maintaining detailed records, secure storage, and adhering to specific prescription and refill limits to prevent diversion and ensure safe use.