Psychiatrist Dr. Roger McIntyre from the University of Toronto once called quetiapine (Seroquel) the “salt & pepper of psychiatry.” When it comes to Seroquel prescribing tips, many providers use this medication by sprinkling low doses here and there to adjust the clinical “flavor” of treatment.
Sometimes it’s 25 mg at bedtime for insomnia, other times a small dose of Seroquel is added to help manage symptoms that haven’t fully responded to other meds. But opinions about Seroquel vary widely. While some clinicians find it a useful adjunct, others avoid it due to concerns over metabolic side effects. For more information on these effects, you can read this detailed study on quetiapine’s metabolic risks.
Rational Polypharmacy: Prescribe with Purpose
One big concern with Seroquel is the risk of antipsychotic polypharmacy—when patients take multiple antipsychotic drugs simultaneously, increasing risks for side effects and potential drug interactions.
A strategy to manage this is “rational polypharmacy,” which means prescribing each medication deliberately with clear clinical rationale.
If you’re “sprinkling” Seroquel into a patient’s regimen, these Seroquel prescribing tips can help ensure you prescribe with purpose:
- Have a clear purpose (e.g., addressing insomnia after other FDA-approved options were tried and failed)
- Document your reasoning thoroughly in your clinical note
Prescribing with purpose and documenting rationale clearly protects your patients and your practice.
What’s Your Take on Seroquel?
What do you think about Seroquel as the “salt and pepper” of psychiatry? Is there another medication you consider just as versatile or better suited for this role?
Leave a comment and share your thoughts!
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