What does a patient experience if they require higher doses of a medication to achieve the same effects?

When a patient requires higher doses of a medication to achieve the same effects, this phenomenon is referred to as tolerance. Tolerance occurs when the body becomes accustomed to a drug over time, leading to a decreased response to that drug, requiring increasing amounts to achieve the desired effect.

This is common in the context of repeated exposure to certain medications, particularly those that affect the central nervous system, such as analgesics, sedatives, or some psychoactive drugs. Consequently, a patient experiencing tolerance might find that the initial dose they once found effective no longer provides the same outcome, prompting them to seek a higher dose. Understanding tolerance is crucial in medication management to prevent complications and ensure safe prescribing practices.