Zaleplon (Sonata) is scheduled as which DEA category?

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

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how the DEA assigns controlled substances based on medical use and abuse potential. Zaleplon is placed in Schedule IV because it has an accepted medical use for treating insomnia and has a relatively low potential for abuse and dependence compared with drugs in higher schedules. It’s a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic that acts on the GABA system, offering sleep benefits but with a risk profile that’s smaller than Schedule II or III substances. While dependence can occur, it’s typically less pronounced than with higher-risk drugs, which is why it isn’t in Schedule II or III. Schedule V contains the lowest abuse potential and typically includes preparations with very limited amounts of certain substances, which also doesn’t apply to zaleplon. So the appropriate categorization is Schedule IV.