Which agency regulates narcotic prescriptions?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the agency responsible for regulating narcotic prescriptions in the United States. It plays a critical role in enforcing the Controlled Substances Act, which categorizes drugs into schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use. The DEA sets the rules and restrictions surrounding the prescription, distribution, and use of controlled substances, including narcotics, ensuring that these medications are used safely and only when medically necessary.

This regulation includes monitoring the production and distribution of narcotics, as well as ensuring that healthcare providers comply with federal laws when prescribing them. The DEA also takes actions against illegal drug trafficking and misuse, which helps to mitigate potential public health concerns associated with narcotic medications.

In contrast, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is primarily concerned with the approval and regulation of all medications but does not specifically handle the scheduling or prescription regulations of narcotics. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) focuses on medical research and advancing health-related knowledge, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) addresses issues related to consumer protection and antitrust laws, rather than the regulation of narcotic prescriptions.