Benzphetamine - Controlled Substance Classification

Controlled Substance Classification

Benzphetamine is unique in its classification as a Schedule III drug in the United States. (Most members of the amphetamine family are classified in the more highly-regulated Schedule II.) Benzphetamine is metabolized by the human body into amphetamine and methamphetamine, making it one of a number of drugs to undergo in vivo conversion to a substance of higher addiction and abuse potential. Benzphetamine itself does not have as high abuse potential as its metabolites (Schedule III) because of the time necessary for the liver to metabolize it into amphetamine and methamphetamine, regardless of route of administration. This gives benzphetamine an inherent 'sustained-release' effect.