US Medical Term · medications
Controlled Substance
Sustancia controlada
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Controlled Substance |
| Spanish (Español) | Sustancia controlada |
| Chinese (中文) | 管制藥品 |
| Korean (한국어) | 규제 약물 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Chất bị kiểm soát |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Kontroladong substansya |
| Portuguese (Português) | Substância controlada |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | สารควบคุม |
| Japanese (日本語) | 規制薬物 |
What it means
A controlled substance is a drug regulated by the US federal government under the Controlled Substances Act because it has potential for abuse, addiction, or dependence. Examples include opioid pain relievers, stimulants like Adderall, sedatives, and certain anxiety medications. When your doctor prescribes a controlled substance, they must follow strict rules, and your pharmacy tracks dispensing carefully. You may receive only a limited supply at a time, and refills may require a new prescription each time. The pharmacy will likely ask for a photo ID when you pick it up. Your medication's DEA schedule tells you how tightly it is controlled.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Is this medication a controlled substance?
¿Este medicamento es una sustancia controlada?
Do I need a new prescription every time I refill this controlled substance?
¿Necesito una receta nueva cada vez que reabastezco esta sustancia controlada?
My pharmacy says they need my ID because this is a controlled substance.
Mi farmacia dice que necesitan mi identificación porque esto es una sustancia controlada.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026