Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Tramadol Into Schedule IV

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposes to place the substance 2-((dimethylamino)methyl)-1-(3- methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol, its salts, isomers, salts of isomers, and all isomeric configurations of possible forms including tramadol (the term "isomers" includes the optical and geometric isomers) into Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This proposed action is based on a recommendation from the Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and an evaluation of all other relevant data by the DEA. If finalized, this action would impose the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to Schedule IV controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, dispense, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities, or possess) or propose to handle tramadol.