Sibutramine is scheduled as which DEA category?

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

Answer: (C)

Drugs are organized into schedules by their accepted medical use and their potential for abuse or dependence. Sibutramine had an approved medical use as a weight-loss agent, and while there is some abuse risk, it is lower than that of substances placed in more restrictive schedules. Schedule IV includes substances with accepted medical use and relatively lower abuse potential, so sibutramine fits there. For context, it was later withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns, but its scheduling remains Schedule IV.