What is an example of a medication that is considered a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse?

Oxycodone is categorized as a controlled substance because it is an opioid medication used for pain relief, and it has a high potential for abuse and dependency. This classification is a result of its ability to produce euphoric effects, which can lead individuals to misuse it for these qualities. The regulatory framework surrounding controlled substances is designed to monitor and restrict the distribution of medications that pose risks of addiction, making oxycodone a prime example due to its association with abuse and the opioid epidemic.

In contrast, ampicillin and amoxicillin are antibiotics that do not have addictive properties or potential for abuse and are not classified as controlled substances. Ibuprofen, while it is an effective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is also not considered a controlled substance as it does not produce the euphoric effects associated with abuse potential that certain medications, like oxycodone, do. Hence, oxycodone stands out as the medication with significant regulatory oversight due to its higher risk of misuse.