Safety and first aid

Drugs of dependence

Drugs of dependence are prescription medicines with a recognised therapeutic use but also a higher potential for misuse, abuse, and dependence.

Many of these areSchedule 8 medicines (also known as controlled drugs), while some are higher risk Schedule 4 medicines (referred to as S4 Reportable Medicines) – together these are referred to as Monitored Medicines.

Monitored medicines have important therapeutic uses such as:

  • treatment of severe pain
  • management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Monitored medicines are monitored through ScriptCheckWA, Western Australia’s real-time prescription monitoring system. Authorised prescribers and pharmacists involved in your care can access your prescribing and dispensing history for these medicines.

Schedule 8 medicines

The prescribing, storage and dispensing of Schedule 8 medicines is subject to a greater level of control than any other prescription-only medicines.

Some of the more commonly prescribed Schedule 8 medicines include opioids, stimulants and most medicinal cannabis products:

Opioids

  • morphine
  • oxycodone
  • fentanyl
  • buprenorphine
  • methadone
  • tapentadol

 Stimulants

 
  • dexamfetamine
  • lisdexamfetamine
  • methylphenidate. 

Medicinal cannabis

 

Most medicinal cannabis products are S8 medicines.

Products only containing cannabidiol (CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid)are S4 medicines, also known as prescription only medicines. 

The Poisons Standard (external site) allows “cannabidiol only” medicinal cannabis products to also contain very low levels of THC – up to 2 percent of the total cannabinoid content. 

Schedule 4 reportable medicines

These are Schedule 4 medicines which are considered to have a higher risk of abuse, misuse and physical or psychological dependence and include:

  • all benzodiazepines in S4 (eg. temazepam, diazepam)
  • codeine-based preparations in S4
  • gabapentin
  • pregabalin
  • quetiapine
  • tramadol
  • zolpidemzolpiclone
What do I need to know about Schedule 8 medicine prescriptions?
Why has my doctor asked me to see a pain specialist?
Why can't my doctor prescribe for me?
Why have I been asked to sign an treatment contract?
What is the record of drug dependent persons?
Who should I talk to about my overuse of pain medication?
Who should I talk to about my child's dependency issues?
What should I do if I see somebody selling drugs medicines?

Last reviewed: 12-12-2024
Acknowledgements

Medicines and Poisons Regulation Branch


This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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