The present invention relates to automated devices, systems and methods for automatically controlling the dispensing of articles and for controlling access to dispensed articles, such as medication. In various aspects, an automated dispenser transfers articles from a storage compartment to an access compartment. A user has controlled access to dispensed articles in the access compartment. After a certain period of time, any untaken, dispensed articles in the access compartment can then be transferred to a holding compartment and are no longer accessible to the user. In certain aspects, an operator can access the compartments of the automated dispenser and program the automated dispenser to control the dispense and regulation of articles.
