Benzodiazepines in the United States: Schedule IV, Brands and Pharmacy Access

All benzodiazepines are DEA Schedule IV controlled substances in the United States. Travellers may bring up to a 90-day personal supply with documentation.

Quick reference

Drug class: Schedule IV controlled substances under the US Controlled Substances Act (DEA)
Controlled substance: Yes, every benzodiazepine in this class is a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. No member of this class is unscheduled in the United States.
Prescription required: Yes. A valid prescription from a DEA-registered practitioner is required. Foreign prescriptions are not accepted at US pharmacies for dispensing; a local US prescription is needed for any in-country refill.
Available locally: Alprazolam: yes (Xanax, Xanax XR, Niravam). Diazepam: yes (Valium, Diastat). Clonazepam: yes (Klonopin). Lorazepam: yes (Ativan, Loreev XR). Temazepam: yes (Restoril). Midazolam: yes (Versed, primarily hospital/clinical use). Oxazepam: yes (Serax). Triazolam: yes (Halcion). Generics widely available for all active ingredients.
Storage: Room temperature (15–30°C / 59–86°F), away from moisture and direct light. No refrigeration required for any oral formulation in this class.
Max supply to carry: Up to 90-day supply for personal use. For import of a controlled substance without a US-issued prescription, CBP limits to 50 dosage units. Carry a doctor's letter in English plus your original prescription.
Key document: Original prescription or doctor's letter in English, stating your name, medication name (INN and brand), dose, quantity, and prescribing physician details. Original pharmacy-labelled packaging is strongly recommended.
Emergency alternative: If your specific brand is unavailable, a US-licensed psychiatrist or primary care doctor can assess you and prescribe an equivalent within the class, do not substitute without medical supervision.

Benzodiazepine options in the United States

Active ingredient	Available locally?	Local brand(s)	Controlled status	Prescription required?	Max supply
Alprazolam	Yes	Xanax, Xanax XR, Niravam	DEA Schedule IV	Yes	Up to 90-day personal supply
Diazepam	Yes	Valium, Diastat	DEA Schedule IV	Yes	Up to 90-day personal supply
Clonazepam	Yes	Klonopin	DEA Schedule IV	Yes	Up to 90-day personal supply
Lorazepam	Yes	Ativan, Loreev XR	DEA Schedule IV	Yes	Up to 90-day personal supply
Temazepam	Yes	Restoril	DEA Schedule IV	Yes	Up to 90-day personal supply
Midazolam	Yes (clinical/hospital use primarily)	Versed	DEA Schedule IV	Yes	Up to 90-day personal supply
Oxazepam	Yes	Serax	DEA Schedule IV	Yes	Up to 90-day personal supply
Triazolam	Yes	Halcion	DEA Schedule IV	Yes	Up to 90-day personal supply

Benzodiazepines in the United States: what you need to know before you travel

Every benzodiazepine in this class, alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), midazolam (Versed), oxazepam (Serax), and triazolam (Halcion), is classified as a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act^[1]. The classification is uniform across the class; there are no unscheduled members.

All eight active ingredients are FDA-approved and widely available at US pharmacies with a valid prescription^[2]. Foreign prescriptions cannot be dispensed at US pharmacies, if you need a local refill, you must see a US-licensed prescriber.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescribing doctor before travelling with medication, particularly regarding supply quantities, storage requirements, and import documentation.

Before you travel

Documentation for travelling to the United States with benzodiazepines

Because every benzodiazepine is a controlled substance under US federal law, documentation matters at the border. CBP requires that you carry a valid prescription or doctor's note written in English^[2]. Your medication must be in its original pharmacy-labelled container wherever possible.

What your doctor's letter must include

Your full name. The medication name, both the INN (e.g. alprazolam) and brand (e.g. Xanax). Dose and frequency. Quantity carried. The condition name (one word is sufficient). Your doctor's signature, registration number, and clinic letterhead. If you take more than one benzodiazepine, list each one separately on the same letter.

No additional import permit is required for any benzodiazepine brought into the United States for personal use, the letter and prescription together meet CBP requirements. The letter does not need to be notarised or translated if it is already written in English, since CBP explicitly requires documentation in English^[2]. See our guide for travelling abroad with benzodiazepines for more information on preparing your pre-travel documentation pack.

Questions to ask your prescriber before you travel

Bring this list to your appointment at least two weeks before departure.

If my usual brand (e.g. Xanax, Valium, Klonopin) is not stocked at the US pharmacy nearest my destination, which generic or alternative brand in the same class would you recommend I request?
If I need to see a US doctor for a refill, is there a dose or formulation equivalent you can note in my letter so the local prescriber can make an informed decision?
Can you write my doctor's letter on clinic letterhead, include your DEA registration number, and name the INN alongside the brand for each benzodiazepine I carry?
How many days of backup supply would you recommend I bring in case of delays beyond my planned trip duration?
What is the best way to reach you or a colleague from the United States if I need urgent guidance about my prescription?

How much benzodiazepine to bring

The FDA personal importation policy permits a 90-day supply for personal use^[3]. This ceiling applies equally to every active ingredient in the benzodiazepine class. If you do not hold a US-issued prescription, CBP's additional rule caps import of a Schedule IV controlled substance at 50 dosage units, so if your trip is short, that limit is unlikely to be an issue, but for longer stays the 90-day maximum governs. Bring a small buffer: five to seven extra days' supply covers missed connections and extended stays.

Split your supply

Carry your main supply in hand luggage and a backup dose in checked luggage. Keep both portions in original pharmacy-labelled packaging. If one bag is lost or delayed, you are not left without medication.

Packing and storing benzodiazepines for travel

All oral benzodiazepines in this class (tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets) store at room temperature (15–30°C / 59–86°F) and do not require refrigeration. Keep them away from humidity, direct light, and heat sources. Avoid decanting into unmarked pill organisers before you clear customs; original packaging with pharmacy labels is the clearest proof of legitimacy.

At the airport and border

Airport security with benzodiazepines

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. For tablets and capsules, TSA allows medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts^[4], subject to X-ray screening. You are not required to declare pills proactively, but TSA recommends carrying your prescription or doctor's letter for controlled substances such as benzodiazepines. If a TSA officer asks about your medication, having your pharmacy-labelled container and prescription to hand resolves the question quickly.

If you prefer not to have your medication X-rayed, you may request a visual inspection before items enter the X-ray tunnel^[4]. Make this request at the start of the screening interaction, not after items are already on the belt.

Customs and import rules for benzodiazepines in the United States

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) allows travellers to bring benzodiazepines into the United States for personal use. Non-US citizens may bring up to a 90-day supply^[2] with a valid prescription or doctor's letter in English. Without a US-issued prescription, the separate CBP rule caps import of a Schedule IV controlled substance at 50 dosage units. Declare your medication if CBP asks; there is no customs form checkbox that specifically requires you to declare medication, but honesty if questioned is essential.

All benzodiazepines are DEA Schedule IV controlled substances

Carrying benzodiazepines without a prescription or doctor's letter puts you at risk of seizure by CBP and potential referral to DEA. Without a US-issued prescription, no more than 50 dosage units may be imported. Carry your original pharmacy-labelled packaging and your English-language doctor's letter at all times during transit and customs.

While in country

Benzodiazepine availability in the United States

All eight active ingredients in this class are FDA-approved and stocked at major US pharmacy chains^[5] including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart Pharmacy, and Rite Aid. Generics are widely available for all active ingredients. Alprazolam (generic for Xanax) and clonazepam (generic for Klonopin) are among the most commonly dispensed.

Per active ingredient: alprazolam is sold as Xanax, Xanax XR, and Niravam. Diazepam is sold as Valium and Diastat. Clonazepam is sold as Klonopin. Lorazepam is sold as Ativan and Loreev XR. Temazepam is sold as Restoril. Midazolam is sold as Versed and is primarily dispensed in clinical or hospital settings. Oxazepam is sold as Serax. Triazolam is sold as Halcion.

Without insurance, generic benzodiazepines are inexpensive. Generic lorazepam costs around $27 for a 30-day supply^[6], and generic diazepam costs around $17 per month^[7]. Brand-name products cost substantially more: brand Klonopin can exceed $100 (~€86) for 30 tablets. A US prescription from a local doctor is required for any in-country dispensing; your home prescription cannot be filled at a US pharmacy. Discount card programmes such as GoodRx are accepted at most major chains and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for generics.

Pharmacy phrases for the United States

The primary language at US pharmacy counters is English. These phrases are useful when asking about your medication or requesting a generic equivalent.

“Tomo una benzodiazepina. ¿Tiene la versión genérica de [nombre comercial]?”

I take a benzodiazepine, do you carry the generic version of [brand name]?

“Tengo una receta extranjera para [nombre del medicamento]. Necesito ver a un médico para obtener una receta local. ¿Puede recomendarme una clínica cercana?”

I have a foreign prescription for [medication name]. I need to see a doctor to get a local prescription. Can you recommend a nearby clinic?

“¿Tiene [Xanax / Valium / Klonopin / Ativan / Restoril / Halcion / Serax]?”

Do you stock [Xanax / Valium / Klonopin / Ativan / Restoril / Halcion / Serax]?

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Finding a doctor who can prescribe benzodiazepines in the United States

Any DEA-registered US physician can prescribe Schedule IV benzodiazepines; this includes general practitioners, psychiatrists, and internal medicine physicians. Psychiatrists are the most likely specialists for ongoing prescriptions, while urgent care or primary care clinics can handle short-term needs.

Telemedicine platforms operating in the United States can provide consultations, though controlled-substance prescribing via telehealth has specific state-level restrictions. An initial in-person visit to a walk-in clinic or urgent care centre is often the fastest route to a local prescription. Consultation costs without insurance typically range from $100 to $250 (~€86–€215) for a primary care visit. For more context on healthcare & prescriber options, visit our United States travel guide.

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Storing benzodiazepines while in the United States

All oral benzodiazepines in this class are stable at room temperature (15–30°C / 59–86°F). Keep tablets in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, a bedside drawer or travel bag inner pocket works well. In summer, avoid leaving medication in a parked car or on a window sill, where temperatures can exceed 40°C / 104°F. Hotel room safes are a reasonable storage option for your controlled-substance supply when you leave for the day.

Emergencies

What to do if something goes wrong with your benzodiazepines in the United States

If your benzodiazepines are lost or stolen, file a police report immediately, this document is essential when seeking an emergency replacement prescription from a US physician. Contact your home prescriber and ask them to send a written confirmation of your prescription by email or fax, which a US doctor can use as a reference. Because benzodiazepines are Schedule IV controlled substances, US pharmacies cannot legally dispense them without a valid local prescription; no emergency supply will be issued without one.

If your specific brand is unavailable at your local pharmacy, ask the pharmacist whether a generic equivalent is in stock, generics for alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam, diazepam, and temazepam are all widely available across US pharmacy chains. Never substitute one benzodiazepine active ingredient for another without first consulting a US-licensed doctor; differences in potency, duration of action, and your individual tolerance mean that substitution decisions must be made by a clinician, not the pharmacy counter.

Key phrases if you need urgent help

I take prescription medication for a medical condition and I have run out: 'I need to see a doctor urgently, I have run out of my prescription medication.' At a pharmacy: 'I have a foreign prescription for [medication name]. Can you help me find a local doctor?' If you feel unwell from withdrawal: 'Please call a doctor, I am experiencing a medical emergency.' Emergency services: dial 911.

For any medical emergency in the United States, call 911. Emergency rooms at US hospitals can assess withdrawal and other acute presentations and will contact a prescriber on your behalf if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

Are benzodiazepines legal in the United States?

Yes, all FDA-approved benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, diazepam, clonazepam, lorazepam, temazepam, oxazepam, and triazolam, are legal in the United States with a valid prescription from a DEA-registered physician. They are DEA Schedule IV controlled substances, meaning possession without a prescription is a federal offence.

Can I bring my benzodiazepines into the United States from another country?

Yes. CBP allows travellers to bring a personal supply of benzodiazepines into the United States, up to a 90-day quantity. You must carry a valid prescription or doctor's letter written in English, and keep your medication in its original pharmacy-labelled container. Without a US-issued prescription, CBP limits import of Schedule IV controlled substances to 50 dosage units.

Do I need a doctor's letter to fly with benzodiazepines into the United States?

CBP strongly recommends carrying a valid prescription or doctor's note written in English alongside your medication in its original container. While the letter is not strictly mandatory for every entry, it is the clearest way to demonstrate to a CBP officer that your controlled substance is legitimate and for personal use. Without it, your medication may be questioned or confiscated.

Which benzodiazepines are available at US pharmacies?

All major benzodiazepines are available at US pharmacies with a valid US prescription: alprazolam (Xanax, Xanax XR, Niravam), diazepam (Valium, Diastat), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan, Loreev XR), temazepam (Restoril), midazolam (Versed, mainly hospital use), oxazepam (Serax), and triazolam (Halcion). Generics for the most commonly prescribed active ingredients are widely stocked at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart Pharmacy, and Rite Aid.

Is Valium (diazepam) available in the United States without a prescription?

No. Diazepam (Valium, Diastat) is a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States and requires a valid US prescription from a DEA-registered practitioner to be dispensed. It cannot be purchased over the counter. Generic diazepam costs approximately $17 (~€15) for a 30-day supply without insurance.

What if my specific benzodiazepine brand is not available at the US pharmacy?

Ask the pharmacist whether a generic of your active ingredient is in stock, generics are widely available for all commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the United States. If you need to switch to a different active ingredient within the class because yours is not available, that decision must be made by a US-licensed doctor, not by the pharmacist or by you alone.

What if I run out of my benzodiazepines while in the United States?

Visit a US primary care clinic, urgent care centre, or psychiatrist and bring your home prescription and doctor's letter as reference. A US-licensed physician can assess you and issue a local prescription, which any US pharmacy can then dispense. Telemedicine platforms may also be able to help, though Schedule IV prescribing via telehealth is subject to state-specific restrictions. Never attempt to obtain benzodiazepines without a valid US prescription.

Related practical guide

Benzodiazepines Abroad: Why Customs Can Seize Your Prescription

A valid prescription does not protect your benzodiazepines at every border. Here is what customs officers actually check, and what happens when supply runs out abroad.