What does 'drug tolerance' imply?

Drug tolerance refers to a phenomenon where a person's response to a specific drug decreases over time, leading to the necessity of increasing the dosage to achieve the same therapeutic effect that was initially experienced. This adaptation occurs as the body becomes accustomed to the drug, often due to various physiological changes, such as alterations in receptor sensitivity or metabolic processes that affect the drug's action.

As a result, individuals may find that they need to take higher quantities of the medication to receive its original benefits, which can raise concerns about potential side effects and dependency. Understanding drug tolerance is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it impacts medication management and safety.