Which of the following drugs is listed as Schedule IV in the material?

• A. Citalopram
• B. Sertraline
• C. Fluoxetine
• D. Triazolam

Answer: (D)

Drug scheduling reflects how a substance is regulated based on medical use and potential for abuse or dependence. Schedule IV drugs have accepted medical use and a lower but real potential for abuse and dependence compared with higher schedules.

Triazolam fits this category as a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia. It has a recognized medical use, but it also carries a risk of dependence and abuse, so it is placed in Schedule IV.

The other medications listed are antidepressants. Citalopram, sertraline, and fluoxetine are SSRIs with medical use and, in general, do not have the abuse potential that leads to scheduling under the controlled substances system. They are prescribed medications, but not controlled substances in the scheduling framework.