What schedule do benzodiazepines fall under?

Benzodiazepines are classified as Schedule IV controlled substances under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This classification is due to their legitimate medical uses, such as the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders, but they also have a lower potential for abuse and dependence compared to substances in higher schedules.

Schedule IV substances are considered to have a lower risk of addiction relative to those in Schedule II and Schedule III. This is significant in clinical practice, as it allows for more flexibility in prescribing practices while still enforcing necessary regulations to manage potential misuse. Therefore, the classification reflects both their therapeutic value and the precautions needed to mitigate risks associated with their use.