Which of the following is NOT considered a controlled substance?

Over-the-counter medications are not classified as controlled substances. Controlled substances are drugs that are regulated by law due to their potential for abuse or dependence, and they typically require a prescription.

Prescription medications, psychotropic medications, and certain hormonal treatments can all fall within controlled substance categories depending on their formulation, scheduling, and intended use. For example, psychotropic medications, which are commonly prescribed for mental health conditions, may include controlled substances due to their effects on the central nervous system. Certain hormonal treatments may involve therapies that are considered controlled substances if they are classified as such under the drug scheduling system.

In contrast, over-the-counter medications are available for purchase without a prescription and are generally recognized as safe and effective for use by the public without the direct supervision of a healthcare provider. Therefore, they are not subjected to the strict regulations that apply to controlled substances, making them the appropriate choice for the option that is not considered a controlled substance.