The inappropriate and over-prescribing of medication is an area of nursing fraught with legal and ethical considerations. It can lead to people being chemically restrained and must only be used in exceptional situations. Therapeutic alternatives should take precedent. This article reviews studies on chemical restraint that show high levels of neuroleptic drug prescribing, including pro re nata or 'when required' medication, in care settings for older people. Studies also demonstrate that chemical restraint tends to be used in busy and under-resourced settings. Reviews and audits of neuroleptic medication should be undertaken regularly to alert nurses to local trends and patterns.