SURVEY OF AMPHETAMINE PRESCRIBING IN ENGLAND AND WALES

A survey was undertaken of senior medical specialists in drug dependen ce in England and Wales, enquiring about their attitudes and practices concerning the prescription of amphetamines to dependent users. Of th e 149 who replied, 60% saw a role for amphetamine prescribing, with 46 % currently doing so. Of those who did not prescribe, 32% would Like t o have done so. Respondents often did not know if general practitioner s in their area were prescribing amphetamines. Many could not estimate the percentage of injecting amphetamine users in their area. There wa s a wide range in the dosage of amphetamine prescribed with a mean max imum of 66 mg, There was agreement about entry criteria for prescribin g programmes and also on ways of monitoring those receiving amphetamin e, Our results indicate that amphetamine prescribing is widespread in England and Wales although there is little scientific evidence for its efficacy. We have developed some guidelines for good practice, drawin g on our own and others' experience.