Amineptine and tapentadol have been classified as schedule 2 controlled drugs.

The two drugs, which are not yet available in the UK, are now subject to all schedule 2 rules under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 following a statutory instrument that came into force on March 28.

Tapentadol, an oral analgesic for moderate to severe chronic pain, is "likely to be marketed in the UK shortly", the RPS said, although it was "not aware" of any applications to bring amineptine, an atypical tricyclic antidepressant, to the UK.