Which substances are included in the I-STOP program monitoring?

The I-STOP program, which stands for Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing, is designed to monitor prescription patterns for controlled substances to prevent misuse and addiction. The program specifically focuses on Schedules II through IV substances.

Schedule II substances include drugs that have a high potential for abuse and physical dependence, such as opioids and certain stimulants. Schedules III and IV substances include drugs with a lower potential for abuse relative to Schedule II, such as some sedatives and anti-anxiety medications. By encompassing Schedules II through IV, I-STOP aims to monitor a wide range of potentially addictive prescriptions, allowing healthcare providers to access a patient’s prescription history more effectively and make informed prescribing decisions.

Including only Schedule I drugs would not align with the goals of I-STOP, as these substances are not prescribed legally for medical use. On the other hand, stating that it includes all controlled substances would also be inaccurate since Schedule I drugs are not monitored under this program due to their legal status. Thus, the correct scope of the I-STOP program is indeed focused on Schedules II-IV substances, which reflects its purpose of addressing the prescription of commonly misused medications.