Which schedule describes drugs that are accepted medically but may cause limited physical or psychological dependence?

The correct choice indicates that Schedule IV drugs are classified as substances that are accepted for medical use but carry the potential for limited physical or psychological dependence. This classification is established by the Controlled Substances Act, which categorizes drugs into schedules based on their medical use, safety, and potential for abuse.

Schedule IV drugs are known to have a lower potential for abuse relative to those in higher schedules, such as Schedule III or Schedule II, where the risk of dependency is deemed to be higher. Common examples of Schedule IV drugs include medications like alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium), which can be effective in treating conditions such as anxiety and muscle spasms but also carry a risk for dependency if misused.

In contrast, the higher schedules, such as I and II, contain substances with greater risks of addiction and have stricter regulations. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of Schedule IV helps to identify the specific medications that are usable in clinical practice while also highlighting the importance of cautious prescribing and monitoring to mitigate the risks of dependence.