Which schedule has low abuse potential and requires prescription renewals after 6 months?

• A. Schedule II
• B. Schedule III
• C. Schedule I
• D. Schedule IV

Answer: (D)

Controlled substances are grouped by potential for abuse and medical use, with lower abuse potential placed on lower schedules. Among substances that have accepted medical use and are still regulated, the one with the lowest abuse potential is placed in Schedule IV. This category also allows prescriptions to be renewed with limited refills, typically up to five within six months, meaning that after that six‑month window a new prescription is generally needed to continue use. That combination—lower abuse risk and the renewal pattern after six months—best fits Schedule IV. The other options involve higher abuse potential or stricter rules (Schedule II has no refills, Schedule I has no medical use, Schedule III has higher abuse potential than IV).