Pentazocine, branded as Talwin, is a controlled substance in which schedule?

Pentazocine, branded as Talwin, is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. The scheduling of drugs is determined based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependence liability.

Schedule IV substances are those that have a lower potential for abuse relative to Schedule I, II, and III drugs. They are considered to have accepted medical uses in the United States and generally have a lower risk of dependence. Pentazocine is used for its analgesic properties to manage moderate to severe pain, which falls into the medical use category, thereby justifying its placement in Schedule IV.

Understanding this classification is crucial for compliance with federal regulations governing the prescribing and dispensing of medications. In contrast, drugs in Schedule I, such as heroin or LSD, have no accepted medical use and have a high potential for abuse, making them illegal. Schedule II drugs, like morphine and oxycodone, have a high potential for abuse but are accepted for medical use, while Schedule V substances, such as some cough preparations containing small amounts of codeine, have even lower potential for abuse and may be available over-the-counter in some states.