Storing and traveling with controlled narcotics can be a sticky situation. Many states have different laws about transporting your prescription narcotics outside of your state of residence. Drugs are categorized into 5 schedules, based on their degree of abuse and dependency risk. Schedule 1 drugs are highly abused drugs that are not approved for any medical use and are considered unsafe in all circumstances. They carry a severe risk for dependency. These drugs are illegal and include drugs such as Heroin. Schedule II drugs also carry a risk for high abuse and severe dependency, but are approved for some monitored medical use. An example of a Schedule II drug would be Morphine. Schedule III drugs carry a much lower abuse risk and a Moderate to Low Dependency Risk Anabolic steroids and codeine and hydrocodone fall into this category. Schedule IV drugs have an even lower risk of abuse and dependency, and include medications such as Xanax. Schedule V drugs carry the lowest risk of abuse and dependency. Some types of codeines are included in this group and opium’s and antidiarrheal medications. All of these schedules of medications are regulated by the DEA. There are many people who require medications from schedule II, II, IV and IV to control various medical conditions, and at times need to travel with such medications.
There are some basic laws you can adhere to. Most states require that you carry your medication in the prescription bottles, and have your photo identification with you. Most states also require a photo id when you pick up a prescription for a controlled substance. They also use electronic prescription monitoring databases to track prescriptions picked up by individuals to prevent abuse and sales of illicit drugs. The safety labels printed on the medication bottles, such as “take with water” or “avoid alcohol” are also regulated by the FDA.
Traveling internationally with controlled narcotics can be especially tricky. Individual countries have laws about which medications you may bring into the country and how much. Most countries will allow a 30 day supply of controlled substances in original prescription bottle with ID, however it is a good idea to check specific rules for the country you are traveling to as they do differ as to which medications may have restrictions.
It is possible to safely travel and store your prescription narcotics; it is just advisable to check with your state to see what the laws require. Always keeping your medications in original prescription bottles and safely locked up whether traveling or at home is also important, as while these medications are needed for your health, they can be dangerous if used inappropriately or accidentally ingested by a toddler or infant.