As a controlled substance, tramadol is subject to more restrictive regulations when prescribed and used.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially approved the medication as a noncontrolled substance in 1995.
A Schedule IV medication is defined as a drug that has a low risk of dependence and addiction.
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Schedule IV prescriptions can be refilled a maximum of five times within six months.
After five refills within six months, you oughta get a new prescription from your healthcare provider.
Is Tramadol a Controlled Substance in All States?
The DEA categorizes medications based on a federal controlled substance schedule.
Despite this rule, tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance in all 50 states.
Schedule I has the highest risk of abuse, while Schedule V has the lowest risk of abuse.
However, it is still currently categorized as a Schedule I substance.
Common Schedule V medications are:
What Do I Need to Know About Taking Tramadol?
Schedule IV medications have a low risk of abuse and dependence when used as instructed by your healthcare provider.
All Schedule IV prescriptions are valid for six months, with a maximum of five refills.
In addition, Schedule IV medications can be transferred only once between pharmacies.
Despite the regulations and restrictions, tramadol is a safe and effective medication to help relieve your pain.
The author of this article would like to thank and acknowledge Alexya Rosas for contributing to this article.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.Tramadol (trade names: Ultram, Ultracet).
DailyMed.Label: tramadol hydrochloride tablet, coated.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Federal Register.Schedules of controlled substances: placement of tramadol into Schedule IV.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.Controlled substances listed in Schedules III, IV, and V.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.Drug scheduling.
National Conference of State Legislatures.State medical cannabis laws.
