What are Schedule III drugs?

• A. Drugs with the highest potential for abuse.
• B. Drugs with high dependence risk only.
• C. Drugs with low potential for dependence.
• D. Schedule III drugs, substances, or chemicals defined as drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence; include testosterone, anabolic steroids, ketamine, or codeine.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is how drugs are placed into schedules based on abuse potential and medical use. Schedule III drugs have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence compared with higher schedules, and they do have accepted medical use in the United States. Examples include testosterone and other anabolic steroids, ketamine, and codeine (often in combination products). This category sits between the higher-risk schedules and the lower ones, reflecting a middle ground in risk and medical utility.