Is Lucemyra (lofexidine) a controlled drug?

Lucemyra (lofexidine) is not a controlled substance

Lucemyra is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist

Lucemyra is not an opioid drug

Why might people think that Lucemyra is a controlled drug?

Lucemyra is used to reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal in adults who stop taking an opioid drug suddenly. It is not used on its own for the treatment of opioid use disorder (opioid addiction), but Lucemyra may be prescribed as part of a complete treatment program for the treatment of opioid use disorder. To get Lycemyra you require a prescription for it from a health care provider.

While Lucemyra is not a controlled substance, other drugs used in the treatment of opioid use disorder, such as methadone, are classified as controlled substances.

Why are some drugs classed as controlled substances?

Certain drugs, substances or chemicals are classified as controlled substances and are more closely regulated than other drugs. They are classified into five categories or schedules depending on what they are approved to treat and according to their abuse or dependency potential. Drugs with a high potential for abuse and potential to create severe dependence are listed as Schedule I drugs and those with the least potential for abuse are listed as Schedule V drugs.