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Controlled Substances

What are controlled substances?

Prescription medications can fall into the categories of controlled substances and non-controlled substances. Controlled substances are substances with a high potential for abuse or addiction, regulated and classified by the DEA (drug enforcement agency).

Most prescription medications used for chronic conditions and infectious diseases fall into the category of non-controlled substances. They still must be obtained through a prescription by a physician, but are not regulated by the DEA.

What is PlushCare’s policy on controlled substances?

Our physicians fill many non-controlled prescriptions, but we do not prescribe controlled substances at this time. If you are unsure on whether your medication is a controlled substance, feel free to contact us at (800) 221-5140 or send a message to [email protected]

What are common examples of controlled substances?

There are a number of controlled substances. You can find a complete list through the DEA website. Some of the commonly requested medications that we are NOT able to fill include the following, sorted by condition:

  • Weight loss: Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate), Desoxyn (methamphetamine), Suprenza (phentermine)

  • Pain/narcotics: morphine, Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen), Tramadol, Percocet (oxycodone), Demerol (meperidine), Methadone, Dilaudid (hydromorphone)

  • Sleep: Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), Luminal (phenobarbital)

  • Anxiety: Ativan (lorazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Restoril (temazepam), Halcion (triazolam), Valium (diazepam), other benzodiazepines

  • ADHD: Adderall (amphetamine), Ritalin (methylphenidate), Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine), Concerta (methylphenidate), Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)

  • Others: Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine), cough syrup with Codeine, Suboxone (Buprenorphine / Naloxone), Lyrica (pregabalin), cannabis and marijuana products


PlushCare physicians also do not prescribe certain non-controlled medications with high abuse potential, such as injectable haloperidol (Haldol) or injectable diphenhydramine (Benadryl).  

There are also medications that are not classified as controlled substances by the DEA, but may be classified as such in certain states as they may also have the potential for abuse. One example of this is the drug gabapentin (Neurontin). Prescriptions for gabapentin at PlushCare are strictly limited to patients who qualify and sign an agreement.

Besides gabapentin, other non-controlled medicines with the potential for abuse are listed below. Our physicians will only consider brief prescriptions for short-term use if recommended and deemed necessary by the physician.These substances include but are not limited to:

  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)

  • Promethazine

  • Clonidine

  • Muscle relaxers, including baclofen, Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), Robaxin (methocarbamol), tizanidine, and others