Use of medications on the restricted list by the elderly.

On 1 April 1985 the range of drugs that may be prescribed on the National Health Service was limited by the government. We studied the possible effects of this new policy on 1066 elderly patients in two general practices in south Wales. Many patients who were prescribed drugs from the restricted list were also disabled, had psychological problems, or were on supplementary pension. We intend later this year to study the consequences of the changes in prescribing on elderly patients.