What Schedule Is Alprazolam?
Alprazolam scheduling and classification across Australia, United States, and international jurisdictions. Also known as Alprax 1, Kalma 1, Alprax 0.5, Kalma 0.5.
Alprazolam (Alprax 1) is classified as S8 (Controlled Drug - subject to additional regulatory controls including prescribing, supply, storage, and record-keeping requirements) under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia. It is FDA approved in the United States. As a Schedule 8 controlled drug, it is subject to strict prescribing, dispensing, storage, and record-keeping requirements across all Australian states and territories.
Key Takeaways
- Australia (TGA): S8 - Controlled Drug - subject to additional regulatory controls including prescribing, supply, storage, and record-keeping requirements
- United States (FDA): Approved (Rx only) - has FDA Boxed Warning
- Risk level: Moderate (3 points)
- PBS listed: Subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia
- Storage requirements: Must be stored in a locked facility. Requires register for supply and disposal.
- SIRA reportable: Flagged for reporting under NSW workers compensation
Scheduling by Jurisdiction
| Jurisdiction | Regulatory Body | Classification | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) | S8 | PBS listed |
| United States | FDA / DEA | Rx only (not DEA scheduled) | FDA approved |
What S8 Means for Alprazolam
Alprazolam is classified as S8 under the TGA Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP). Controlled Drug - subject to additional regulatory controls including prescribing, supply, storage, and record-keeping requirements.
Schedule 8 Prescribing and Supply Requirements
- Prescribing: Must be prescribed by an authorised prescriber. Some states require permits for long-term prescribing.
- Dispensing: Must be dispensed by a pharmacist. Limited repeats and quantities apply.
- Storage: Must be stored in a locked, substantially constructed cabinet or safe.
- Records: A drug register must be maintained for all Schedule 8 transactions.
- Disposal: Must be disposed of in the presence of an authorised witness.
Claims and Workers Compensation Implications
When Alprazolam (S8) appears on a claimant's medication list, the scheduling classification affects how claims professionals should assess and manage the claim.
Schedule 8 Claims Considerations
- Check prescribing is within state guidelines for duration and dose
- Verify the prescriber holds appropriate authority for S8 prescribing
- Assess whether the medication is reasonable and necessary for the compensable injury
- Review for concurrent CNS depressant use (opioid + benzodiazepine, opioid + gabapentinoid)
- Document all medication-related interventions for audit trail
- SIRA reportable: This medication triggers reporting requirements under NSW workers compensation
- Duration guideline: Maximum 14 days recommended. Prescribing beyond this requires clinical justification.
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Related Resources
Important: This page is general health information, not personal medical advice. If you have questions about your medication — including starting it, stopping it, changing the dose, or combining it with something else — speak with your doctor or pharmacist. For an emergency or suspected overdose, call your local emergency number or poison information service immediately. Information is drawn from regulator and clinical guideline sources (TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBS, CDC); see our methodology for details.