One person dies every 19 minutes from a prescription drug overdose in the United States . On Thursday , the Drug Enforcement Administration tried to combat this epidemic by saying it will tighten controls on hydrocodone products , some of the most commonly misused narcotic painkillers on the market . The DEA action moves hydrocodone combination pills , also known as opioids , from a Schedule III to a Schedule II drug . The final ruling goes into effect in 45 days . Drugs are categorized into one of five `` schedules '' by the DEA based on `` whether they have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States , their relative abuse potential and their likelihood of causing dependence when abused . '' Other drugs , such as Adderall and morphine , are also labeled as Schedule II . Hydrocodone combination pills put hydrocodone with less potent painkillers such as acetaminophen . One example is the drug Vicodin . Now , in order to use these drugs , patients will have to get a written prescription from a doctor -- instead of one submitted orally by phone . And refills are prohibited ; patients would have to check in with their doctors to get another prescription . A Schedule II classification also puts manufacturing quotas in place for these hydrocodone products . Pure hydrocodone is already a Schedule II substance . Dr. Andrew Kolodny , president of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing , said the ruling is a victory for those trying to find answers in the opioid overdose epidemic . `` If you think about bringing the epidemic under control , you have to get treatment . But we also have to stop creating new cases of addiction . `` I think this move will have big impact on bringing the epidemic under control . '' FDA aims to tighten control of hydrocodone . Gupta : Let 's end the prescription drug epidemic .
Hydrocodone combination pills , also known as opioids , are becoming Schedule II drugs . This means that they can be prescribed only by a doctor who has been trained in the use of these medications and is authorized to prescribe them under federal law ( or state laws ).