'Codeine is my companion': misuse and dependence on codeine containing medicines in Ireland.

Objectives: Global concern around over the counter availability of codeine containing products and risk of misuse, dependence and related harms are evident. A phenomenological study of lived experiences of codeine misuse and dependence was undertaken in Ireland, following the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland's 2010 guidelines for restricted supply of non-prescription codeine containing products.

Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of adult codeine misusers and dependents (n=21), both actively using, in treatment and in recovery.

The impact of a change in prescribing policy on antipsychotic prescribing in a general adult psychiatric hospital.

Objectives: To examine the impact of a change in local prescribing policy on the adherence to evidence-based prescribing guidelines for antipsychotic medication in a general adult psychiatric hospital.

Methods: All adult in-patients had their clinical record and medication sheet reviewed. Antipsychotic prescribed, dose prescribed and documented indications for prescribing were recorded.