Schedule 8 medications are drugs of dependence as listed in the Victorian Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981.
As a drug of dependence, there are restrictions in place regarding their manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce the risks of abuse, misuse and physical and psychological dependence.
Due to the risks associated with the use of Schedule 8 medications, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) also provides a framework which applies safety controls to the supply and distribution of these medications.